A sparkling new Frost Manor
Wednesday, April 6, 2005 - OMNIway staff
A major facelift to OMNI's Lindsay long-term care home is complete.

Frost Manor underwent $180,000 worth of renovations recently, which modernized the 62-bed Mary Street home. A new lounge with fireplace provides an intimate gathering spot for residents, just inside the front doors. The lounge is outfitted with new furniture, where residents recline, socialize and sip tea.

Residents relax in the new fireplace lounge at Frost Manor.

A nurses' station was removed to provide the new space. A new information centre, located just off to the side of the lounge, is the now the nurses' station. The long-term care home was carpeted, and painted throughout in a golden colour, which gives the home a warmer feel.

An activity room has been converted into a restorative kitchen, equipped with appliances for baking and cooking activities. With a separate kitchen, Vi O'Leary, Frost's life enrichment co-ordinator, and Jean Chilton, nutritional care co-ordinator, can more easily lead sessions with residents, without interrupting the preparation of meals in the main kitchen. Both Vi and Jean say they are looking forward to engaging residents in food preparation more often with the new kitchen.

"It's something we've been dreaming about," Vi earlier told the OMNIway about Frost's new kitchen.

The new restorative kitchen at the Lindsay long-term care home will be put to use for resident cooking and baking activities.

Staff will also use the dining room to host private dinners for family members and residents.

The renovations also involved creating another dining room, used by residents who don't require assistance with their meals. The smaller, bright dining room is located near the back of the nursing home.

Residents will have a new outdoor space for gathering when the spring weather arrives. The snow recently melted on the secure outdoor area that will become Frost's new therapy garden. There's a concrete walking path for residents to meander along and Vi plans to involve residents in gardening activities. A wooden gazebo will provide shade on hot summer days.

The renovations began in mid-November 2004. Frost is the second OMNI home to receive a makeover recently, with Village Green seeing improvements over the winter.

To contact OMNIway Staff, (705) 741-4421