facilities to include a purpose-built Alzheimer's unit.

"Hospitals in the United States were developing special care units,'' said unit coordinator, Mrs. Venetia Smith. "And we followed the trend.'' "The Alzheimer's unit is particularly necessary because the patient's have specific needs,'' added assistant unit coordinator, Mrs. Geraldine Francis.

The unit's goal is to provide individualised care to residents in collaboration with other health care professionals like social workers, doctors, dietitians and physiotherapists. And the unit staff of 21 have a multidisciplinary approach to their care.

"We provide the patients with structured activities on a consistent basis,'' said Mrs. Smith. "Activities are an integral part of an Alzheimer patient's care -- they keep a patient stimulated,'' she said.

Social and recreational activities include Gospel hours, baking circles and games in the courtyard. Residents capable of understanding can listen to the daily reading of headline news. "And we always encourage residents to walk around the ward since their condition already makes them prone to wandering,'' said Mrs. Smith. "The ward is locked so they can't get lost,'' she added.

Residents also attend community programmes like theatre or dance productions.

They play bingo and board games. "And the unit has a beauty salon which the residents love because it is so relaxing,'' said Mrs. Smith.

"Also, the Alzheimer's support group organises barbecues and social activities for the residents. And sometimes we take patients to ECU activities if we think they'll benefit,'' she added.

Volunteers visit the ward on a regular basis to assist with daily activities like feeding and grooming as well as transport -- if residents are attending a community affair.

Families are also encouraged to become involved with the resident's care.

"We have fairly good support,'' said Mrs. Smith. "Often family will assist with meals or even take their relative out for the day.'' Unit staff meet regularly to share information and concerns about the residents. "And we develop individualised care plans for each patient,'' said Mrs. Smith. "The staff are very abreast of strategies for Alzheimer care and several attended Alzheimer care conferences in 1992 and 1993,'' she said.

The Alzheimer's unit employs a holiday relief programme for families that care for patients at home and need a break. "We have a day programme or patients can stay with us for up to three or four weeks,'' said Mrs. Smith.

"But they must first be referred to the department by the Geriatric Assessment Placement (GAP) group.'' A new addition to the Alzheimer's unit -- the Robert H. Motyer Garden -- was sponsored by the Motyer Foundation as a memorial to Mr. Motyer who died with Alzheimer's disease. The garden opened in November, 1993. And it is very therapeutic.

In fact, studies have shown a garden can improve the behaviour and quality of life of victims with Alzheimer's disease.

Scientists in the University of British Columbia found that in long-term care homes with gardens, the rate of violent incidents decreased by 19 percent. And in those without gardens, the rate increased 681 percent. The researchers believe the exercise and fresh air the patients are able to get reduces frustrations and anxieties that mark the residents' condition.

"When they're in the garden,'' said Mrs. Francis, "they appear calm and less aggressive. And their socialisation skills definitely improve. I think the fresh air stimulates them,'' she said.

The residents can walk freely into the garden-courtyard, which is rectangular shaped with an oval patch of grass in the middle. A pathway stretches around the garden where ebony trees, almond trees, shrubs and flowers flourish.

"Keen residents may garden if they want to,'' said Mrs. Smith, "and we have two raised bushes for that purpose.'' A gazebo in the north-east corner of the courtyard can be used for tea parties. And as the weather improves, many events will take place there.

PEACEFUL SETTING -- Unit coordinator, Mrs. Venetia Smith (left) and assistant unit coordinator, Mrs. Geraldine Francis of the Alzheimer's Unit stand at the entrance of the new garden/courtyard built especially for the unit.