Don Harris, left, Tracy Fairhall and Jake Young from Resthaven’s maintenance team flank one of the new doors. Photo: Michael Jeans.
Residents living with dementia at Cambridge’s Resthaven on Burns care centre have welcomed the installation of an innovative door system aimed at providing a greater sense of home and comfort.
The doors have a made-to-measure decal that matches a ‘front door’ the resident remembers from their past. The system helps those living with dementia to recognise and find their rooms more easily.
Resthaven on Burns’ diversional therapist Tracy Fairhall said a front door can bring back memories and remind residents of places where they most felt at home. “It’s very personal, and that is what is so special about these doors.”
The designs have been created from pictures of actual doors, she said. “They come in all colours and features. There are hundreds of designs to choose from, including stained glass windows, wood, glass, ironwork and even screen doors.”
Cambridge Resthaven general manager Rachel Jones said the system had been developed in The Netherlands and has been used in aged care facilities in more than 15 countries.
“We are not aware of who else in New Zealand is using them, but after seeing successful case studies from around the world, we thought the doors would make a difference here. We are grateful to the Friends of Resthaven Foundation who provided funding for the decals.”
Tracy and Jake Young from Resthaven’s maintenance team installed the 15 doors over a period of two weeks.
Tracy said as well as helping residents the doors were a hit with staff and visitors.
“We are not a hospital, we are home,” she said. “Every door has a story, and they have prompted lots of reminiscing and social interaction that wouldn’t otherwise have taken place.”
