When you picture a care home for senior citizens, you'll often see white walls and imagine a clinical atmosphere, but not at Radius Matua in Tauranga where there is magic on the walls. They just gave their walls a facelift to bring more joy and colour into the residents' home.
A mural in the Lavender Court, their dementia unit, has been on Radius Matua's wish list for a while. Thanks to some fundraising during their annual Fete, they finally turned the dream into reality. Klara Luxfordrulisek, Radius Matua's Recreation and Quality Coordinator, reached out to Millie Newitt, a local artist at Murals by Millie, to see if she could work her magic on their walls.
After discussions with staff and residents, Millie devised a design everyone loved, and it was completed in just three days. The mural features a stunning mix of lavender-coloured flowers to match the unit's name, yellow flowers with greenery, and even little birds. The lively native birds—Tui and Fantail—bring the artwork to life.
The artwork has become a source of joy and appreciation for everyone at Radius Matua. A resident's husband said the birds "really make it feel homely", while another resident expressed her love for "the big, bright flowers".
Donna Monteclaro, a registered nurse, and Melissa Stebbings, the Activities Coordinator, were thrilled to have Millie add more life to Lavender Court. "Residents,
staff and families enjoyed watching the wall being created, admiring Millie's talent as she worked into our daily routine."
Millie said Radius Matua's idea was beautiful.
"It was a wonderful experience to paint for the residents and for the staff who provide so much to care for people."
Lavender Court is no longer just a care unit; this makeover shows creativity can turn any space into a beautiful and cheerful home.
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