Newington, CT – A ribbon cutting ceremony was held for the newly renovated Hitchcock Unit at Jefferson House, part of Hartford HealthCare Senior Services that provides long-term care and rehabilitation services for Hartford area seniors.
Jefferson House
Evidence from scientific studies on biophilia from around the globe support findings that using wood in interior finishes reduces stress and anxiety and improves emotional states, according to representatives of Amenta Emma Architects. It is wood that sets the tone for the newly renovated common area of the Hitchcock wing of Jefferson House. The design also includes an outdoor patio overlooking a wooded landscape.
“When I think about a theme for this space and how it came together, the word ‘connection’ comes to mind; for me both in terms of the social connection and the connection of nature,” said Myles Brown of Amenta Emma Architects.
Jefferson House
The Jefferson House design team of Amenta Emma Architects and C.E. Floyd Company took upon the task of renovating the nurse’s station and common areas while 28 residents continued living on the unit. The bones of Jefferson House had not been altered since 1980.
The renovation features open areas that include a true living room with an electric fireplace, a spa-like bathing area, kitchen and dining room area, patio that was once a greenhouse, and state-of-the-art nurse’s station designed to make it easier for residents to interact with staff. The changes are designed to make the space more inclusive for residents with a variety of physical or cognitive impairments.
Jefferson House
“It’s electrifying when you walk through this newly renovated Hitchcock unit. The design is fresh and invigorating. The surroundings match the culture of care and the staff here at Jefferson House, said senior vice president of Hartford HealthCare Community Network, Eric Smullen.
—
“The renovations started over two years ago, just before COVID impacted all our lives. Just months into the construction we had to put a pause on the project. We worked and lived on a renovation project for two years. We finally celebrate its fruition,” said executive director of Hartford HealthCare Jefferson House, Susan Vinal.
