Bethany proud of its aquarium
The soothing sounds of soft, refreshing music being played, while watching tropical fish swim and play offers peace and comfort to residents at Good Samaritan Society-Bethany in Brainerd.
On Tuesday, the Brainerd nursing home residents were given this gift that will keep on giving - a new 7-foot, 275-gallon saltwater aquarium housed at Station One Lounge at Bethany. Residents will have a tough time walking by it without noticing its tranquillity. The aquarium sits in an oak cabinet and is filled with tropical fish, including Pacific tangs, wrasses, anthias, chromis and a beautiful marine angel.
Bethany has been blessed, Liz Csanda, Bethany community relations director, said regarding the new Aquarium Lounge. Csanda said Bethany had an aggressive campaign where it raised $10,000 for the aquarium in one month and it succeeded because of the support and generosity of the community and the Bethany Auxiliary, one of the larger donors.
Margaret Fitch, a resident at Good Samaritan Society-Bethany in Brainerd, Tuesday watched the fish in the aquarium while talking with Jessica Reese, a nursing assistant. Bethany just completed its Aquarium Lounge and called it a birthday gift to its residents. Brainerd Dispatch/Steve Kohls » Purchase reprints of this photo.
Csanda said family and community members donated money and memorial funds to the Aquarium Lounge because they knew how much the residents would enjoy it. Csanda said a donor donated $100 a month for five years that will help support the aquarium. Csanda said the facility raised enough funds to keep the aquarium cleaned for six months, so Bethany still has to continue to raise funds for maintaining the aquarium.
Having an aquarium at Bethany has always been "high on our wish list," said Csanda. She said the Aquarium Lounge will be a place for residents to go to be in a relaxing environment where staff is not required. Csanda said it also will be a soothing place for residents to do their one-on-one sensory approach activities with staff.
"The beautiful part of this is there is no staff time in maintaining the aquarium," said Csanda. "The fish will be coming in phases with the less aggressive fish first ... it'll always be changing. There will always be something new for residents to see."
Ty Tollefsrud of Brainerd, owner of United Aquarium of Detroit Lakes, installed the aquarium and he will maintain it. Tollefsrud said he purchases fish for aquariums overseas and Bethany residents will see new fish each month. Tollefsrud said more nursing homes are starting to install aquariums in their facilities because of the benefits and enjoyment residents receive from them.
Bob Qualley, of Pequot Lakes, escorted his wife, Marleen, a Bethany resident for 11 years, to the Aquarium Lounge. Qualley said he used to have several fish tanks at his home when he took care of his wife before she came to Bethany.
"We enjoy them," said Qualley. "It's a hobby."
Mary Chalker, another Bethany resident, saw the aquarium for the first time Monday and said, "It is beautiful ... It makes me feel good."
"It's really pretty," said Margaret Fitch, a Bethany resident.
Bethany Pastor Tony Oltmann selected 70 relaxing songs to be played nonstop in the Aquarium Lounge. Oltmann said the aquarium is a wonderful new tool that will help Bethany with its mission to provide the best care possible for the residents.
Sue Phelps, Bethany activities director, said she has always wanted an aquarium at Bethany because of the solitude, and the peaceful and calming atmosphere it offers that will enhance the residents' quality of life.
Csanda said Bethany's next project is to raise funds for a freshwater tank to be located in the transitional rehabilitation wing.
JENNIFER STOCKINGER may be reached at jennifer.stockinger@brainerddispatch.com or 855-5851.