Columbia View Lodge Garden of Gratitude
Project Overview
The project, initiated in 2022, focused on creating safe, accessible, and beautiful garden areas for the 76 long-term care residents who call Columbia View Lodge home. Thanks to the generous support of our community, local businesses, services clubs, and grant fundersthis ambitious project has transformed the outdoor spaces at Columbia View Lodge into a welcoming and vibrant environment for residents, their families, and caregivers.
The first two gardens were completed in the summer of 2023 and in August 2024, the third and final garden reached completion. The new gardens provide a serene space where residents can relax, get some fresh air, connect with nature, and spend quality time with their loved ones.
A diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease is devastating for families, with those afflicted often requiring full time care in a specialized facility due to the complex needs of the Alzheimer’s patient. A family’s decision to move their loved one away from their family home and into a facility is often difficult and heart breaking.
Mary and Richard’s Story: 
“My husband Richard was diagnosed with an extremely aggressive form of Early-Onset Alzheimer’s when he was 59 years old. As time progressed, we realized at some point he would likely require more care and need to have 24-hour supervision. We could not have found a better home for his last months than Columbia View Lodge! Richard was cared for with love, patience and kindness by all.
Through our personal journey of care, we realized the garden courtyards for residents’ use have not received the attention they deserve. Alzheimer’s patients can benefit deeply from having access to a safe, tranquil garden space. For people living with Alzheimer’s, gardens can carry gentle reminders of past experiences and jog the memory through scents, visual cues, and participating in the act of gardening! They are also helpful for the caregivers, who greatly benefit from this much deserved place of peace.
All who live, visit and work within this residence should feel pride and have a place to go that is comforting, peaceful and beautiful. To help Columbia View Lodge’s gardens accurately reflect the care, attention, love and commitment that is provided inside, I ask you to become involved with the Columbia View Lodge Garden of Gratitude Project.”
The Garden of Gratitude Project is a $200,000 project that prioritized restoration of the three garden courtyard areas at Columbia View Lodge in order to ensure they are fully accessible and usable. This project not only benefited the residents, but also their families, visitors and the dedicated staff who provide care each and every day!
To help us maintain the Garden of Gratitude for those living with, caring for and/or supporting those affected by Alzheimer’s disease, donations can be made by using the prepaid return envelope provided, online via the button below or by phoning 250-364-3424. Donations of any value are accepted with gratitude.
