Creating a Dementia-Friendly Environment: A Complete Checklist

Audit your entrance and reception area against the following criteria:

• Clear, high-contrast signage identifying the building name and entrance from the car park and approach path
• Reception desk is visible immediately upon entering, not hidden around a corner
• Door handles and push plates contrast with the door colour
• Floor surface is consistent, non-reflective, and free of dark mats that could appear as holes
• A welcome sign or orientation board is displayed at eye level inside the entrance
• Seating is available in the reception area with clear sightlines to the desk
• Lighting is even and free of harsh shadows or glare from windows
• Staff presence or call point is clearly indicated if reception is not continuously staffed
• Directional signage to key areas (lounge, dining, toilets) is visible from the entrance

Assess corridor design and wayfinding support:

• Corridors are well lit with consistent, even illumination and no dark spots
• Handrails are fitted on both sides and contrast with the wall colour
• Handrails are continuous and do not terminate abruptly before a doorway or corner
• Flooring is matt, non-slip, and a consistent colour without abrupt changes or patterns
• Directional signs are placed at every junction and decision point
• Bedroom door signs are at a consistent height (1.2-1.4m) and on the opening side of the door
• Distinctive landmarks or memory cues are placed at corridor junctions to aid orientation
• Dead-end corridors are avoided or clearly indicated with signage
• Exit doors that residents should not use are disguised or have appropriate signage to redirect
• Corridor walls feature contrasting dado rails or a colour change to provide visual depth cues

Check each bedroom for the following:

• Door sign includes the resident's name in large, clear text and a personalised photograph or familiar image
• Light switch is easy to locate and contrasts with the wall
• The route from bed to en-suite bathroom is clear, unobstructed, and lit by a nightlight or sensor light
• The en-suite door is clearly signed and visible from the bed
• Wardrobe, drawers, and storage are labelled with text or pictorial cues
• Bed linen contrasts with the floor colour to help residents identify the bed
• A familiar object or memory box is displayed outside or inside the room to support recognition
• Call bell is accessible from the bed and clearly distinguishable from other controls

Evaluate bathroom and toilet environments:

• Toilet door is signed with a high-contrast pictorial sign meeting DSDC 1A standards
• Toilet seat contrasts with the floor and the toilet bowl to aid identification
• Grab rails contrast with the wall colour
• Taps are clearly marked hot and cold with colour-coded indicators
• Mirror can be covered or removed if it causes confusion or distress
• Flooring is non-slip, matt, and a single consistent colour
• Toilet roll holder and soap dispenser contrast with the wall and are within easy reach
• Lighting is bright, even, and does not create shadows on the toilet or grab rails
• Signage is visible from the corridor approach, not just when standing directly at the door

Review your dining environment:

• Dining room entrance is signed with a clear, high-contrast pictorial sign
• Tableware (plates, cups, cutlery) contrasts with the table surface
• Tables contrast with the floor colour
• Lighting supports clear visibility of food and faces without glare
• Menus are presented in large, clear text, ideally with photographic images of dishes
• Seating plan supports residents' spatial awareness and social interaction
• Clock is visible and easy to read to support mealtime awareness

Assess communal living spaces:

• Lounge entrance is signed clearly with a pictorial sign
• Furniture contrasts with the floor and walls
• Seating is arranged to promote social interaction and clear sightlines to the television and windows
• Remote controls and frequently used items are accessible and clearly identifiable
• Activity areas are signed and accessible without navigating confusing corridors
• Outdoor space access is clearly signed and visible from communal areas
• Clutter is minimised to reduce visual confusion

Evaluate outdoor access and safety:

• Garden entrance is clearly signed and visible from inside the building
• Pathways are level, non-slip, and a consistent colour
• Pathway routes form a loop that returns to the building entrance
• Seating is provided at regular intervals with shade options
• Planting is non-toxic and sensory (fragrant herbs, textured foliage)
• External doors back into the building are clearly signed and distinguishable from each other
• Fencing or boundaries are secure but do not feel institutional or prison-like