Tranquility Room Proposal

A therapeutic environment designed specifically for our dementia, Alzheimer's disease, and cognitively impaired residents to reduce stress, anxiety, and agitation while promoting resident well-being at Hazel Hawkins Memorial Hospital's Skilled Nursing Facilities.

Made possible by the generous investment from the Community Foundation for San Benito County

Prepared and presented by: JayLee McGary, Interim Director of Nursing

Executive Summary
Two Dedicated Spaces

Tranquility Rooms for both buildings. Mabie Northside and William & Inez Mabie (Southside) Skilled Nursing Facilities.

Multi-Sensory Therapy

Comprehensive therapeutic environments designed to address various sensory needs

Cost-Effective Solution

No additional staffing required and no construction or HCAI review needed

The Growing Need

Every 65 seconds, someone in the United States develops Alzheimer's disease.

Nearly half of our current residents experience some form of cognitive impairment, dementia, Alzheimer's disease, depression, anxiety, or other mental health conditions.

Benefits for Residents
Enhanced Quality of Life

Improved dignity and personalized experiences

Improved Sleep & Mood

Better emotional regulation and rest patterns

Reduced Medication Needs

Alternative to pharmacological interventions

Lower Anxiety & Agitation

Decreased stress and behavioral incidents

Benefits for Our Facility
Decreased Incidents

Fewer behavioral episodes requiring intervention

Competitive Edge

Differentiation in care offerings

Person-Centered Care

Alignment with modern care principles

Higher Satisfaction

Enhanced resident and family experience

Implementation requires no change in bed licensing and zero increase in staffing requirements, making this a highly efficient enhancement to our care offerings.

Versatile Space Design
Resident Therapy

Primary use for sensory engagement and relaxation

Family Visits

Peaceful environment for meaningful connections

Clinical Sessions

Psychology and one-on-one therapeutic interventions

The space can be converted back to a standard patient room within 48 hours if needed, providing maximum flexibility for facility operations.

Key Sensory Elements
Visual Stimulation

Adjustable lighting, projectors, digital frames, and calming artwork that can be customized for each resident's preferences

Auditory Therapy

Bubble walls creating gentle sounds along with visual tracking, plus audio system with nature sounds, classical music, and white noise options

Tactile Engagement

Weighted blankets, fiber optic curtains, and specialized therapy tools designed for elderly hands to engage the senses

Aromatherapy

Essential oil therapies including calming lavender, energizing citrus, and clearing eucalyptus scents

Featured Element: Therapeutic Seating
Gentle Motion Therapy

The Thera-Glide W-30 chairs provide vestibular stimulation through a smooth rocking motion that helps reduce anxiety and promotes relaxation.

Medical-Grade Design

Specifically engineered for elderly residents with sturdy construction, generous dimensions, and easy-clean surfaces that meet healthcare standards.

Dementia-Friendly Features

The predictable, gentle movement is particularly beneficial for residents with dementia, providing comfort without over stimulation.

Featured Element: Sensory Therapy
Fiber Optic Light Curtains

These tactile visual displays provide gentle stimulation with no heat or electricity at the point of contact, making them completely safe for all residents.

  • Color-changing capabilities
  • Washable for infection control
  • Promotes focus and attention
Bubble Walls

These dynamic water features create both visual interest and soothing auditory stimulation as the bubbles rise through colored water.

  • Adjustable bubble intensity
  • LED color options
  • Sealed system for safety
Implementation Timeline
Planning Phase

Weeks 1-3

  • Finalize room selections
  • Complete vendor evaluations
  • Develop staff training plan
Preparation Phase

Weeks 4-6

  • Order equipment and materials
  • Prepare rooms (painting, electrical)
  • Begin staff orientation
Installation Phase

Weeks 7-17

  • Deliver and install equipment
  • Configure sensory systems
  • Conduct staff training
Completion Phase

Weeks 18-20

  • Final testing of all system
  • Staff Live Roll Out
  • Opening ceremony
Budget Summary
$13,000
Therapeutic Furniture

Including Thera-Glide chairs and adaptable seating

$8,350
Sensory Elements

Visual, tactile, and auditory therapeutic tools

$5,000
Staff Training

Comprehensive education on therapeutic techniques

$1,900
Annual Maintenance

Ongoing support and equipment servicing

The total investment of $38,100 falls well within the approved budget of $50,000, providing excellent value while allowing for contingencies.

Measuring Success
Track Usage Patterns

Monitor frequency and duration of sessions

Gather Feedback

From residents, families, and staff

Document Outcomes

Measure behavioral incident reduction

Monitor Medication

Target 15-20% reduction in interventions

Why This Matters

This evidence-based approach addresses the growing mental health needs in our aging population while aligning with person-centered care philosophy. It provides dignified interventions without medication and enhances quality of life for our most vulnerable residents.

Next Steps
Proposal Review

Board approval of the Tranquility Room concept and budget allocation to move forward with implementation planning.

Site Assessment

Detailed evaluation of both facilities to identify optimal room locations that maximize accessibility and therapeutic potential.

Vendor Selection

Finalize equipment specifications and select qualified vendors with experience in therapeutic environments for elderly care.

Implementation Kickoff

Begin the 20-week process of creating spaces of tranquility and healing for those who need it most.

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