Editor:
Thank you for the opportunity to clarify the dementia story (Coast Reporter, Sept. 6) and subsequent letter to the editor (Sept. 13).
The therapeutic goal of murals in dementia units is to safely and calmly redirect residents within the space, and research into the benefits of these effects has been done at a number of facilities.
The door with the mural is still clearly marked as a fire exit and we have several other exits on the unit to allow us to evacuate residents from a variety of locations depending on the nature of an emergency. Most residents in Gardenview have advanced dementias and would require staff direction and assistance to safely evacuate in the case of an emergency situation, and there are care team members on the unit 24 hours per day.
Marina McBride, manger residential care, Totem Lodge/Shorncliffe
