"There are people who are saying we can't continue to do what we've always done. Don't tinker around the edges and make things a little bit better in the same old template that you've always had. Get rid of that. Change it radically, be bold, move forward."

Elroy Jespersen envisioned a different type of community where people living with dementia could live their own best life. His vision has resulted in The Village Langley, a groundbreaking community designed for people living with dementia and memory related conditions that offers cottage style living surrounded by five acres of walking past gardens and farm animals.

Learn more about The Village Langley: https://verveseniorliving.com/the-village/

Learn more about the Strengthening a Palliative Approach to Long-Term Care project at: https://spaltc.ca/

How does architectural design impact the quality of life for residents in long-term care? And how does design influence a palliative approach to care? We spoke with two architects at Montgomery Sisam Architects who have a particular passion for thoughtful design in long-term care.

Neda Basharat has been focused on creating home-like environments for seniors within the long-term care sector for over a decade. Her recent work explores innovative models in long-term care, which supports and promotes autonomy for residents, as well as prioritizing both improved resident quality of life and staff wellness.

For almost two decades, Tony Ross has been focused on projects that create a home and provide care for the elderly. A large portion of this work has been supporting innovation in long-term care, working and learning with others to create buildings that pursue normal and the highest quality of life for residents.

Learn more about their work: https://www.montgomerysisam.com/

Learn more about the Strengthening a Palliative Approach to Long-Term Care project at: https://spaltc.ca/

"It's about looking at the finer things... preferences in their meals, and giving families special spaces to be together with their loved ones in those final moments ... ensuring we meet the needs of each individual resident."

Grand View Manor is a long-term care and assisted living facility located in Berwick, in Nova Scotia's Annapolis Valley.

Laurel Pizarro is a registered nurse and the Director of Care at Grand View Manor with over 10 years experience in geriatric care and a passion for making a meaningful impact in long-term care.

Helen Stoakes is a registered nurse originally from the UK with a background in dementia and palliative care. She is the Nurse Manager at Grand View Manor and leads the Palliative Care Champion Committee.

Learn more about the Strengthening a Palliative Approach to Long-Term Care project at: https://spaltc.ca/