The Power of Colour in Senior Care
“Why don’t we make the doors more inviting?”
This simple yet powerful question from the late Mary Agnes Radostits, a devoted volunteer and patient at St. Joseph’s Auxiliary Hospital in Edmonton, sparked a transformation. It was made possible by a donation to Covenant Foundation from her and her husband, Ivan Radostits. Mary Agnes’ vision turned the once grey hallways of the memory care unit into a vibrant garden of colour: each door now bursting with cheerful hues, floral motifs, and playful patterns. This thoughtful change has helped residents feel more comfortable, more at ease, and more at home.
But these door wraps go far beyond aesthetics. Bold, high-contrast colours offer real benefits to aging eyes -- improving visibility, reducing confusion, and helping residents better distinguish their rooms. Bright, saturated colours can also stimulate cognitive activity and evoke emotional responses, which is especially valuable in care settings like dementia units. The nature-inspired designs also provide a sense of being outdoors, which is a great comfort during Alberta’s long, cold months when stepping outside is not always possible.
Program Lead Daphne Quigley lovingly brought this project to life. She handpicked each door design with care, oversaw every detail of its implementation, and took time to ensure residents felt seen and celebrated. “I’m in the room with the yellow door!”, one resident proudly told her friends – an example of how the project has become a delightful point of connection and conversation.
What began as a spark of inspiration from Mary Agnes has blossomed into a daily source of comfort, beauty, and belonging for St. Joseph’s residents and care teams. With continued support, there is room for even more doors to open — to colour, to connection, and to a brighter life for seniors across Alberta.
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