Staff say upgrades are desperately needed as the original rooms of Winkler's Salem Home reach 45 years old.

The Salem Foundation is hoping to install cabinetry in the 60, relatively bare, Cottonwood wing bathrooms.

"We're always striving to improve residents' actual lived experience," Arlen Hildebrand, Salem Foundation Chair, says.

Katharina Bruhn, Cottonwood Resident Care Manager, explains many would like their bathrooms to feel more like a home, "not like an institution."

"One lady said this is actually the most important part," Bruhn adds.

The Cottonwood rooms were built in 1972. Hildebrand explains residents' needs, as well as Manitoba Health regulations, have drastically changed since then.

Marilyn Nelson, Director of Resident Care Services explains residents have many products that, by regulation, should be stored behind a closed cabinet door.

"In some areas of our building we just don't have that... it's a safety reason," she says.

Hildebrand notes the installation of cabinets is the first step in the renovation process.

"Residents deserve dignity and respect in every aspect of their care."

Total project costs are estimated at $38,500. Fundraising kicks off at the October 29 Faspa, Fellowship & Song event.