Living with dementia is a constant struggle, even if you’re getting the help you need – but there are some creative ways that care providers are using to make life easier and less painful for patients.
At Austin Health’s Heidelberg Repatriation Hospital, keypad-locked entry/exit doors to one of its aged care wings were a particular source of stress, as nurse Steven Wells explains.
“People with confusion due to their dementia would approach the doors and try to open them, and because they were locked, they would often become fixated on them and could become frustrated, distressed or agitated,” said Steven.
The solution? Camouflage the doors by installing large, nature-based landscape images, to take the emphasis off them being doors. Genevieve Jepsen, Nurse Unit Manager at the hospital, said the images have had a big impact on residents’ mental wellbeing.
“A lady who was a patient on the wing for a few weeks prior to the installation of the pictures was constantly found crying and extremely distressed at the door wanting to exit.
“Three hours after the installation, I encountered her smiling and admiring the picture on the now camouflaged door, and watched her turn and walk calmly in the other direction,” she said.
A great initiative that not only eases the minds of those coping with dementia – it makes the wings look nicer for everyone in the process.
