The City of Toronto has opened a 17-bed Behavioural Support Unit (BSU) for individuals with dementia and other complex care needs. With funding from the province of Ontario, Kipling Acres transitioned regular long-stay beds into BSU beds in the Beaumond Heights resident home area.

Physical enhancements  to the Beaumond Heights BSU include: dementia-friendly décor to promote wayfinding and stimulation; ceiling lifts in each resident room; a wireless silent call bell system to reduce agitation from excessive noise; second entrance/exits in the spa room and nursing station for safety purposes; and a noise detection system that will notify staff if sounds reach a disruptive level for residents.

The facility is also receiving enhanced staffing with appropriate intensive training. Programming and special equipment include a portable buffet cart to accommodate flexible dining hours, an interactive projector to engage residents in recreation programs and a towel warmer, shower chair and other specialized relaxation chairs. iPads, televisions and music speakers will promote engagement, stimulation and interaction.

There is also a multi-sensory room to stimulate and de-escalate based on residents’ individual need and interactive activity centres and materials located throughout the unit to engage residents in purposeful activities and to reduce wandering and hoarding behaviours .

Eight residents have currently moved in and applications for admittance are in progress.  “These new BSU beds at Kipling Acres will improve the lives of residents and their loved ones by providing specialized care, enhanced accommodations and specific supports for those who cannot be managed in a typical long-term care setting,” said Jennifer Dockery, general manager of seniors services and long-term care for the City of Toronto.