It is not uncommon for a home to go through some sort of remodeling every few years or so. One room could be recarpeted, repainted, redecorated and refurnished in a single day without any concern but the shock of an odd color choice. At ShareHaven, it was time for a total facelift, as nothing much had changed since 1994. However, our remodel needed to be completed slowly to avoid distress or confusion among residents who live with Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias. Therefore, our objective was to gradually update ShareHaven’s setting with new décor and furniture that is appropriate, calming and comfortable for all residents.

“It was very important to make sure the transition wasn’t traumatic,” said Mary Stelter, ShareHaven manager. “Every day, we talked to residents about what would happen.  We listened to their feelings and needs, and we helped them through it by easing them into it.” 

Beginning in early December, 2006 and ending in late January, 2007 ShareHaven’s staff worked with Divine Redesign to choose and implement tranquil paint colors and a new French-country theme for décor and furniture. Formerly light beige throughout, ShareHaven’s main colors are now sage and celery. The north residence features eggplant as an accent color, while the south is accented with a shade of terra-cotta.

Upon entering the foyer, guests see a Joy Moon print that beautifully portrays the evolution of ShareHaven. In 1974, the Ladies Benevolent Society (LBS) affiliated with Evergreen and eventually helped fund the building of ShareHaven in the ’90s. The Moon print is, therefore, also a symbol of recognition for the relationship between Evergreen ShareHaven and LBS. The print hangs above an inviting bench and accompanied by a plaque that further recognizes the affiliation. Additionally, the entryway’s walls are painted sage, and the door was replaced with one of a more residential style.

Once referred to as the sun porch, the common area now has a more inviting, den-like feel―consequently, it is being used more often. Located between the two households, its outdated wicker furniture and pastel walls have been warmed with sage walls, a fireplace, and French-country-style furniture that can be gotten in and out of more easily.

The two six-seat tables in each kitchen were replaced with three four-seat tables. Completing the kitchen updates are new chairs, cabinets, and display cases holding conversational, decorative pieces, including wooden carvings, baskets and ceramic plates.

Each living room offers comfortable seating and beautiful wooden armoires which serve as entertainment centers. The north household’s television cabinet features a scrollwork design on the doors, while the south’s has antique-style front panels.

A relaxation room was also developed for one-on-ones with residents. There are artificial candles, chimes, aromatherapy, waterfall decorations and peace-inducing music cassettes.

Our gentlemen residents were not forgotten when it came to this update. Decorative accents include antique cars, boating artwork, and shadowboxes with artful fishing and sporting equipment.

 “The residents’ responses overall have been very positive. They have adjusted well, and there have been no repercussions,” said Mary. “When the new furniture arrived, it felt like Christmas. They thought it was beautiful, and they were so excited.”

Minor concerns have been resolved to the residents’ likings. For instance, the new, large kitchen clocks had hard-to-read Roman numerals, so they were replaced with regular numbers. Bathroom floral arrangements included unfamiliar blooms that were replaced with more common flowers.

There was some concern about the paint colors―a bold move from basic beige. But this major change and the new tweed carpeting have been received well by very important individuals—ShareHaven’s residents.

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