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Notes from Philanthropy: Bringing the Gift of Home to Memory Care

By Christine Hall

Heidi White, Director of Life Enrichment had a special wish for a long time. She had learned about a company in the Netherlands that specialized in making decal front doors to help people with dementia to feel more at home in long-term care. “If we could apply these full door decals to the front of our Memory Care rooms, FTJ residents could recognize and find their own personal doors, and it would also increase privacy and a sense of safety,” she said.  Together with Philanthropy, she shared her idea with two very receptive and generous individuals and within minutes, she had the green light to contact families of Memory Care residents with the news they could select decals that resembled the home doors of their loved ones.

“It was amazing!”, said Heidi.  “In just a few months, our hallways were transformed with vibrant and beautiful front doors, reflective of where each person had lived.”

Upon seeing the results of their gift, these special donors commented, “We were very pleased and excited to fund this project.  With everyone having their own unique ‘front door’ leading to their rooms, Memory Care looks even more welcoming.  The residents are noticing and enjoying their personal entrances, and it’s fun for us to see the difference we can make.”

“This is a dream come true,” added Heidi. “It is so meaningful to see how these doors stimulate reminiscence and enhance social interaction.  I heard one resident say the door looked so real she thought she needed a key.  People feel more at home – both residents and staff!”