First Impressions Matter
Blog #29
Recently I visited someone in memory care at a community I had never been to. Whenever I visit a place for the first time, I feel a bit of excitement or anticipation as I’m always curious what various communities are doing to care for those living with dementia.
This time around I was a bit shaken just by the entryway alone. To the average Joe or Joleen, there may not be much to see here. In fact, perhaps you have seen something similar yourself. But let’s walk through what is all wrong with this picture and experience.
The lights. Sure, a person with dementia needs three times more light than the average Joe/Joleen, but fluorescent lights are a thing of the past and completely lack warmth and a homelike feel; they can also quickly put a person in the wrong frame of mind about where they are, especially a generation that grew up in fear of the “institutionalization” of those who were mentally impaired. We have (hopefully) come a long way from those days of institutional-like communities.
The walls. Nothing says institutional like bright white walls with little to no decor. Quality memory care communities have taught us that there is a LOT of potential for appropriate and enjoyable wall decor, even some that is intended to be physically interacted with. Sure, communities would do well to museum-mount all wall hangings, but that is not insurmountable and should not keep us from painting the walls a relaxing blue or green that elicits a sense of calm and decorating with beautiful artwork. White walls can often cause confusion when it comes to depth perception for residents living with dementia.
“Alzheimer’s.” First of all, it is called Alzheimers’ Disease, technically, but I’m not certain that is what they are trying to convey in this sign. Is Alzheimer’s Disease the only disease behind these doors? Or are there any of the other one hundred-plus diseases that cause dementia behind these doors also? The better use of words would be “Memory Care” or “Dementia Care” or even the use of a clever neighborhood name that takes all diagnosis away from the sign. That may be a bit more dignifying. The use of the word “unit” is extremely outdated and it feels cold and unwelcoming, maybe even a little scary. Using terms like neighborhood is much more welcoming and friendly.
“Special Unit.” Is this a police department? FBI? The term “special unit” is poorly chosen and not respectful of the vulnerable human beings behind these doors. How would you like it if you were put in a special unit?
Bolted, heavy, faux leather window covers. As you can see, there is a part that is broken, which looks unprofessional. In addition, there is black tape being used for something in there. The faux leather sends vibes of something ominous, perhaps even torturous. One can’t help but wonder, “what are you trying to hide behind these heavy leather curtains? Vulnerable people? Ex-convicts? Covering the windows to a memory care area is acceptable to prevent elopement, but there are MUCH classier glass coverings that can feel much more homelike without all the bolts and leather vibe.
White tile. White walls. Blah, anyone? Science lab, anyone?
You may be able to hear some anger and weariness in this post, but some of it is warranted. Making super small changes to care for those living with dementia is so important and meaningful. It is important for memory care communities to ask themselves, “What does dignity and respect look like? Sound like? Feel like?” or “How would I want my home/room to look or feel if I lived here? Is this a welcoming entrance? Are we scared to visit this place?” It is not rocket science but it does beg the question, “Where is the $10,000 - $15,000/month going that these folks pay to live here?” It is certainly not going into caring for/about the residents’ environment! You might notice we haven’t even made it inside the doors yet. That is a post for another day.