NORWICH – In an effort to help their residents feel the best that they can, the United Methodist Home, Pearl and Everette Gilmour Healthcare facility recently applied for a grant that would allow them to add services to their facility. The grant will allow the residential care facility to become one of only a handful in the country to offer resident the services of an on-site day spa.
“We are proud to announce that we are a recipient of a grant from the Greater Norwich Foundation for the initial start-up of an on-site Wellness Day Spa for the residents on campus,” said Director of Activities and Volunteers and Licensed Massage Therapist Kate Conant. The handicap accessible day spa will feature a hydraulic lift massage table, commercial spa quality pedicure stand and barbering stations that are more accessible for the disabled and the elderly. Services provided will include; manicures, pedicures, beautician and barbering services, massage therapy, aroma therapy and reflexology. More services may be added as time goes by.
According to the American Geriatric Society, “Massage therapy reduces the pain of chronic disease and minor injuries, decreases muscle spasms and stiffness, and increases mobility, while providing more physical and social interaction for elders.”
Despite this fact, the number of day spas in long-term care facilities is extremely low. “When I researched day spa in nursing homes, I came across only two or three throughout the United States, and I hope by starting such a program, that other long-term care facilities throughout New York will follow suit,” said Conant. “It is an excellent program designed to improve the quality of life for the residents.”
Although there will be a fee for residents to use the day spa facilities, many opportunities will be available to help defray the costs. “There will be a fee for services to the residents, however it is our intention to defray the costs by fundraising, gift certificate programs and donations from families and friend of the facility,” said Conant.
United Methodist Homes will contract outside individuals to work in the spa facility. They are currently seeking licensed New York state professionals, who are interested in working as independent contractors at the facility. According to Conant, they are also hoping to work with the area schools in providing massage therapy and nail technician students with clinical hours.
“We are so grateful that the Greater Norwich Foundation recognized the added value of this service to our facility,” said Vice President and Administrator of the Facility, Shannon Cayea-Delker. She explained that in addition to serving the residents of the facility, the full service salon would also be available to members of the staff during scheduled breaks and after hours at a nominal fee.
“Everyone loves the feeling of being pampered. The day spa will provide features to our nursing home that will reduce stress, promote a healthy well being, as well as be an avenue of socialization to all,” said Cayea-Delker.
For more information about the program, or to make a donation to provide reduced cost massage therapy to the residents at the Gilmour Healthcare facility, contact Kate Conant at 336-3925 ext. 115.

e-mail: jlewis@evesun.com