BRATTLEBORO — Thompson House has launched a capital campaign to restore a patio that has served as a constant source of outdoor enjoyment for the residents of the nursing and rehabilitation facility but now is a safety risk for them.
According to administrator Dane Rank, the estimated cost of repairs to the patio to meet required accessibility standards is $38,850, and Thompson House will begin a “grassroots fundraising effort” to raise the funds.
Picnic tables beneath the maple trees, abundant flowers, and ample seating ensure small, sunny excursions during the summer months, whether enjoying lunch, or some fresh air.
The patio is also a mecca for activities where friends from the community - human and animal alike - have come to visit residents regularly.
However, many years of use and weather have taken a toll. For the past two years, staff have had to accompany residents one-on-one due to the increasingly uneven surface.
At this point, unassisted use of the patio is restricted to only a few spry and capable residents. Thompson House would like all residents to be able to continue enjoying the patio, but this will require significant repairs.
“We are building on our grass roots fundraising strategy and are confident that we will meet our goal,” Rank said in a news release. “We plan to cover a portion of the cost of the project through annual appeal donations from our local community. Our local Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks #1499 is the first in town to sponsor this project.”
Rank said the staff is hoping that more organizations and businesses in Brattleboro will sponsor this project.
“Based on the strong demonstration of support from our community that is evident from our petition, we hope to be considered for our grant applications to the USDA Rural Development office and the state of Vermont, which are already underway,” Rank said.