Doors with a difference
Spirita's door replacement scheme, which has seen 1,500 new doors replaced in Rushcliffe over the last six months, has introduced doors with a difference to help make residents’ lives easier and safer.
Elderly residents and those with visual impairments can now benefit from magnifying viewers instead of the traditional ‘spyhole’ in doors, allowing them to see who is at the door from a distance and delivers an improved image. In another customer focussed move, elderly and disabled people are able to have the traditional door handles replaced by extended handles, making it far easier for them to access their properties.
At her home in a Spirita sheltered housing scheme in Rushcliffe, 80 year old Mrs Nancy Robbins is keen to talk about the benefits of her new door. “It’s excellent, it really is. My son in-law came round and he was amazed that it wasn’t made of wood because it looks so good, just like timber.”
Nancy’s door was installed by contractors Permadoor contract in November and it features the door viewer specified by Spirita. “I don’t understand how it works but it is brilliant, you can stand back and see who’s at the door without going to it and you can see right round the street, so you would know if anyone was there.
“It’s made me feel much safer, as the door’s very solid and much better than the old one.”
A low maintenance product, the new doors are also easy to look after, something not lost on Nancy. She says: “I have got my carer to wipe it over with a damp cloth a couple of times and it comes up looking like new – its wonderful.”
Spirita’s project manager, Steve Cooke, said: "The door replacement project is going incredibly well. We’ve added some small innovations which have had a big impact with end users. It’s part of our overall refurbishment programme to bring thermal and security improvements to all our properties.
“We are delighted that residents are pleased with the work that has been carried out.”
Spirita is one of the largest providers of housing and associated support services in the East Midlands and is currently undertaking a programme to replace 1500 doors in properties across the region.