Foundation funds replace Bethesda Place furniture

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This article was published 31/05/2021 (1511 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Bethesda Place is a safer, more sanitary place for staff and residents after the Bethesda Foundation paid for new dining room furniture.

The need to replace the aging furniture came to the forefront thanks to COVID, and the changes in infection prevention and control measures for congregate living facilities.

Gone are the old design of simple tables and chairs, replaced with Comfortek tables and chairs which are wipeable, easily sanitized and allow residents to maintain the six foot (two metres) physical distancing with their unique cloverleaf design.

A staff spokesperson, quoted in a Tuesday press release issued by the Bethesda Foundation praised the changes.

“The tables adjust up and down, and outwards, which increases function for those that may be in a wheelchair at different heights,” the spokesperson said. “The variety of chair styles and sizes provides versatility for those that may require bariatric seating, or may need a chair on casters for easy and safe gliding.”

Linda Peters, Executive Director of Bethesda Foundation said 17 tables and 33 chairs were purchased for a total cost of $34,600.

She said projects like this one are proposed by the hospital, and approved by Southern Health before the request comes their way.

“We’re always looking for projects to support with the hospital,” she said. “Their furniture wasn’t meeting the standards anymore and they need to replace it and funds were needed to do that, so we thought it was a great project to support.”

Peters added that they realize residents and staff have experienced a particularly difficult year.

“We are pleased that in a small way, we could do something to improve safety and freshen up their dining spaces,” she said.

The Bethesda Place spokesperson thanked the community and the Bethesda Foundation donors for supporting resident care.

“The new equipment helps to make the days better for our residents during such an incredibly difficult time in long term care.”