An innovative project that has reduced falls – and frustration – among elderly patients has put a Woonona aged care home in the national spotlight.
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IRT Woonona’s Flametree Dementia Care Project has been announced as a finalist in the team innovation category of the 2016 HESTA Aged Care Awards.
The project has utilised dementia-friendly design principles to transform the interior – and exterior – of the facility.
Gone are the bland colours – where floors and walls could meld into one for some elderly patients and lead to bumps and falls. Instead bold, contrasting paint has been used to help residents differentiate between the two.
Each resident now has their own unique decal for the front door of their room – some have even been fashioned on the front doors of the homes they lived in for many years. No handle is the same either – helping residents better feel their way.
Outside the transformation is even more amazing. A little used courtyard area has become a peaceful retreat for residents and their visitors.
A mural runs the length of the fence – depicting serene forest and lakeside scenes. There’s an old car, shed and tools for residents used to tinkering in the garage or garden at home and there’s a playground for young visitors.
The outdoor area is also home to Penny Lane – a street scene using decals to depict a general store, butcher’s shop and cafe.
Craig Hamer, CEO IRT Care, said the project had had substantial benefits for residents and their visitors, and for staff.
‘’There’s definitely been less agitation and frustration among residents because the changes have allowed better movement in and outside the building,’’ he said.
‘’Because the contrasting colours inside have improved sight lines, there’s been less falls and residents are finding their way around better.
‘’They’re also utilising the outside area a lot more which helps them get some exercise and some fresh air.
‘’We are also finding that we are getting a lot more visitors, and they are staying longer, because it’s a more inviting environment for them too.’’
The project was developed in collaboration with the NSW/ACT Dementia Training Study Centre at the University of Wollongong. Centre director Professor Richard Fleming is researching how the changes are influencing care outcomes.
HESTA CEO, Debby Blakey, said the aged care award finalists were selected from an outstanding field of nominations. Winners will be announced at an awards dinner to be held in Canberra on August 4.