The loved one you take care of has changed over the years. Maybe they’ve withered—no longer the tall and robust person they used to be. Maybe they are thinner, greyer, more veined and spotted; maybe they've sunk into a wheelchair.

Although there is beauty in age, it hurts to see this loss of self, and it hurts even more to make the difficult decision to put them into care—your heart goes with them. You know they're a superstar, because you've known and cared for them for so long, but not everyone in their new community will know them like you do.

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A door portrait for your loved one is a wonderful first step in introducing them to their new neighbours. With just two pictures, one of their present-day self and one of their younger self, you can help others see beyond the wrinkles to the amazing person inside.

When you create a door portrait, you're telling your person they belong in this community. This isn't a gift for someone who's leaving in three months—this becomes a symbol of welcome that says, "We see you. This is your space. Everyone is delighted you're here."

Those living with dementia often don't have a sense of themselves in the present. Their strongest, most vivid memories are from their teens and twenties. They more readily recognize themselves in their 'before' picture. With a door portrait in place, they are more likely to find their room. These daily successes help those living with dementia maintain their dignity and confidence.

The name plate can show a given name as well as a preferred name on the second line, so others can address your person in a way that resonates with them—maybe grandma prefers to be called Liz, or perhaps Uncle Sahil has actually gone by Sunny for the last forty years. You can also use the second line to help carers pronounce your loved one's name. Let gung gung's new community know how Zheng is pronounced: "My name sounds like 'jung'."

A photo of your loved one in their younger days also reminds them and everyone around them that they are a whole person. They are more than just another elder moving into someone else's care; they have lived an entire incredible lifetime. In their heart, they are still that person in the younger photo—lively and kind, or thoughtful and solemn, or smart and cheeky.

And once others can see your loved one's spirit shining through their youthful portrait, it's easier to recognize that same spirit peering out of their face today.

Don't miss an opportunity to show everyone that your loved one is more than who they appear to be now.

A door portrait starts that conversation. A reminisart inside their room tells the rest of the story. 

The concept of the door portrait is inspired by visionary Gail Elliot, gerontologist and founder of DementiAbility. Her company offers workshops that teach unique ideas, tips and tools to bring meaning, purpose and joy to your loved one, and make life for your family and care team a whole lot easier.