Time travel to the '40s - Not-for-Profit Report

Nursing Homes, Dec, 2002 by Sandra Hoban

In the 1940s, many a warm summer night was spent listening to Edward R. Murrow's news reports, laughing at Fibber McGee's adventures, or toe tapping to Guy Lombardo's dance music from the Waldorf=Astoria in New York City. Those were also the days when bread was baked from scratch and a neighbor was always available to help you clean a carburetor. And, contrary to Thomas Wolfe's philosophy, you can go home again, especially if you're a resident at Masonic Health Care Center (MHCC) located on the campus of Masonic Pathways, a CCRC in Alma, Michigan.

Faced with a stark, aesthetically barren--and mostly unused--1,700-foot corridor that connects living space between independent residents and two 45-bed skilled nursing units dedicated to dementia care, MHCC administration felt that this large area could be put to better use. Funded by a State of Michigan Innovative Grant and donations from the Michigan Order of the Eastern Star, MHCC investigated various conversion plans that would attract residents who needed stimulation from familiar environments or respite from the activity of the nursing floor. Memory Lane, a dioramic interpretation of a rural 1940s-era home, is the dramatic result.

Designed by Carol Stewart of Bannister, Michigan, Memory Lane is a series of eight full-scale dioramas--three-walled simulations--situated along one wall of the hall. The opposing wall of each simulated area is decorated to complement it. For example, the "bedroom" wallpaper is continued on the facing wall; across from the "front and back porches" and "garage," farm-scene murals provide an "outdoor view."

"The biggest part of the construction phase," says Theresa Lemke, director of recreational activities, "was erecting the small, floor-to-ceiling walls that define each 'room.' These walls extend about three feet into the hall to create the 'room' effect." Included in the design are a front and back porch, kitchen, bathroom, living room, attic, workshop, and garage.

Every room was faithfully replicated--from window treatments, clothing, furniture, and appliances, to lighting fixtures and other vintage 1940s memorabilia. Lemke credits Stewart with achieving this authenticity. "Carol collected everything. She went to antique stores, auctions, flea markets, and so on." Lemke adds, "As a logical extension of our Eden Alternative[TM] program, we also made extensive use of live plants, and our house pets wander freely throughout the area."

No aspect of creating this living museum was overlooked. Real barnboard was used on the "garage," a period mailbox hangs on the "front porch," the doorbell rings, and light fixtures work. Although small, the rooms provide ample opportunity for residents to reminisce and relive. Lemke says that one gentleman picks his wife up at the nursing center and they go down Memory Lane to sit in the "kitchenette" and have coffee. Lemke also tells of a resident who regularly washes dishes: "Although there is no running water in the kitchenette, you wouldn't know it by the systematic way the lady puts the dishes in the sink, washes them, puts them in the drainer, and neatly folds her dishcloth when the job is done."

There's something here for the men, too. Lemke notes that the men particularly enjoy sitting behind the wheel of the candy-apple-red Chevy truck in the "garage": "This is a real cue for reminiscing. They begin talking about automobiles they owned in the past, where they traveled, and so on. There's also an 'attic' where old memories can be savored, and that displays a lot of items that men can relate to."

Because residents are welcome--and encouraged--to touch, explore, and rummage, some of the accessories might occasionally "disappear." Extra items are kept in storage to restock the rooms, until the missing items are returned.

According to Lemke, this homelike corridor attracts residents who either need the stimulation of familiar environments or who need to get away from the activity of a nursing floor. "Our two cats roam the floor, and it's not unusual to see a resident sitting quietly and petting one, or finding one of the cats asleep on the truck or in a closet," she says. "Above all," she continues, "our cognitively impaired residents are safe because four cameras in Memory Lane allow nursing staff to monitor the hail at all times."

Since Memory Lane opened in August 2001, facility percentages of falls, symptoms of depression, boredom, loneliness, and helplessness have declined. It has become a mini-activity area. "Our Alzheimer's unit uses the hallway several times a week for its walking club," says Lemke, "and it has made such an impression that they look forward to the next walk." Because Memory Lane is available to the entire facility, activities staff also use the area as a therapeutic environment for small groups to reminisce, and to relax those who have behavioral problems.

Therapeutic, educational, and uplifting, Memory Lane has increased socialization among residents, staff, and families. As expressed by comments ranging from, "I see something new every time I come here," to, "Let's go back and look at it again," family visits have become more enjoyable and relaxed. Today's high-tech world dwarfs those simpler times, and residents love to show their grandchildren the way things were when their parents were children themselves.