Bringing the Outside In: Stunning Murals Light Up Mayflower Reservoir

Mayflower Reservoir has been transformed with the installation of beautiful large wall murals, thanks to a $1 million grant from the Department of Health and Ageing.

These murals don’t just add visual appeal; they serve a practical purpose, particularly for residents living with dementia.

Featuring stunning scenes such as lavender fields, blossoming wisteria, and the iconic Melbourne cityscape, the murals are a vibrant addition that enhances both the atmosphere and the functionality of the residence.

Wayfinding Support for Residents Living with Dementia

Navigating an aged care residence can be difficult for residents living with dementia, but these new murals provide essential wayfinding cues. By clearly defining the purpose of different areas, such as depicting dining scenes in the dining room, the murals help guide residents and reduce confusion.

Visual reminders like a mural of people sharing a meal allow residents to intuitively associate the space with eating and socialising.

This small but meaningful change helps create a more supportive and accessible environment.

A Complementary Addition to our Unique Door Decals

Earlier this year, we implemented door decals in the Murray House memory support unit. Residents actively chose door skins that resonated with their personal style or resembled front doors from their previous homes.

These door skins serve a dual purpose: they add individuality to each resident's space while also aiding those living with dementia in wayfinding.

By providing visual cues, the door skins make navigating the corridors a more familiar experience, helping residents easily locate their rooms and move around their home.

Rebecca, Mayflower's Executive Director of Quality, Risk, and Compliance emphasises the significance of the changes, stating: "Research indicates that supporting wayfinding is a fundamental aspect of dementia-friendly environmental design, achieved through the creation of landmarks such as visual cues." She further explains that imagery evoking a sense of nostalgia or personalisation can tap into the long-term memories of residents living with dementia. "These serve not only to differentiate residents' rooms but also hold personal significance, tapping into long-term memories for those living with dementia."

Creating a Calming and Inviting Space

In addition to aiding wayfinding, the murals contribute to a calm and welcoming atmosphere. Depicting scenes of nature—such as waterfalls, gardens, and fields of flowers - they bring the outside in, offering soothing vistas that can help alleviate feelings of confinement.

This connection to nature creates a sense of peace and comfort for all residents and broadens their visual horizons.

Enhancing the Community Environment

The murals reflect the diverse cultural backgrounds of residents living at Mayflower Reservoir, adding a personal and inclusive touch to the community.

By creating an engaging environment that celebrates a variety of cultural scenes and landscapes, the murals cater to the diverse interests and experiences of those who call Mayflower Reservoir home.

This initiative is part of a broader project to improve the quality of life for residents with varying abilities, cultural backgrounds and needs.

Exciting Innovations at Mayflower Reservoir

The murals are just one of many exciting innovations funded by the generous grant. In addition to the wall art, Mayflower Reservoir has enjoyed many more innovative changes, including a sensory garden with musical instruments, and a new playground with play equipment for visiting grandchildren to enjoy while visiting.

We also recently installed a second Tovertafel, a highly interactive game table designed to stimulate cognitive activity and social interaction for people living with dementia.

Together, these enhancements create a more enriching, joyful, and supportive environment for residents, helping them feel comfortable, engaged, and valued at every stage of life.

Find out more about Mayflower