Written By Olena Riznyk
LUCAN – Five months after Highview presented its plans for 139 Main St. to Lucan Biddulph council, the renovated building has opened its doors.
Highview Lucan welcomed its first residents on September 9. The people moving into the 53-suite residence range in age from 22 to 101. The residence brings together seniors, people living with dementia and adults with autism, developmental disabilities and other forms of neurodiversity. The incoming residents represent all three groups, with some couples also among them.
Rather than filling the building at once, Highview is welcoming a set number of residents each week. “There’s an opportunity to really know them and help them get settled before we add another group,” Highview president Joy Birch said during a tour of the building.
Highview took possession of the building in March and spent the following months renovating it. The first and third floors include private suites in several sizes, where residents can bring their own furniture, artwork and familiar belongings.
The secure second floor, designed for people living with dementia, received more extensive renovations based on principles Highview has developed through more than 25 years of dementia care.
Colour is used as a subtle wayfinding tool, while doors and other features that do not need to attract attention blend into the walls. Hallways lead to familiar spaces, including a bright sunroom, family room and open kitchen. “This is really the centre of the home,” Birch said while showing the kitchen and dining area. Residents can gather there for meals, but also take part in familiar everyday activities such as preparing food or folding laundry.
Birch said the goal throughout the building is to provide the right amount of support without taking away independence. “What you might need for support that would help your independence would be different than what I would need,” she said. “We are going to work with each person to identify what matters most to them.”
Activities will follow the same approach. Highview has spaces for art, movies, music, yoga and exercise, but Birch said programming will develop as staff get to know the people living there and learn what they actually enjoy.
A kinesiologist will also meet individually with residents to discuss goals for movement, mobility and strength.
Birch said neighbours have been supportive of the project and appreciated being kept informed as the building was renovated.
The opening will also bring new employment to Lucan. Once Highview is fully operating, Birch expects it to create between 60 and 70 jobs.
