How to Sign Lift Lobbies & Stairwells
How to use signage in lift lobbies and stairwells to support safe vertical navigation, floor identification, and orientation for residents between levels.
Lift lobbies and stairwells present unique wayfinding challenges in multi-storey care homes. Moving between floors is one of the most disorientating experiences for a person living with dementia, as the act of travelling vertically disrupts spatial awareness and can leave residents unsure of which floor they are on. The Dementia Services Development Centre (DSDC) highlights floor-level identification as a critical safety concern, particularly in care homes where different floors serve different purposes or house different resident groups.
Floor Identification and Orientation#
When a resident steps out of a lift, they need immediate confirmation of which floor they are on. This is especially important in care homes where residents may live on one floor but access dining or activity rooms on another. Large, clearly visible floor identification signs should be the first thing a resident sees when lift doors open. These signs should include the floor number, a colour code that matches the corridor scheme for that level, and a brief list of key destinations on that floor.
Essential signage for lift lobbies and stairwells:
- Large floor number signs visible immediately upon exiting the lift
- Colour-coded floor identification that matches the corridor scheme for each level
- Directional signs indicating routes to key destinations on each floor
- Clear 'You Are Here' maps at each lift lobby showing the floor layout
- Stairwell signs at every landing indicating the current floor and direction of travel
- Safety signage indicating fire escape routes and assembly points
Pro Tip
Use a distinct colour theme for each floor of your care home and carry this colour consistently through the lift lobby, corridor walls, and door signage. When a resident associates 'blue floor' with their bedroom and 'green floor' with the dining room, the colour itself becomes a powerful orientation cue that works even when text-based signage is difficult to process.
Lift Interior Signage#
Inside the lift itself, signage should be simple and reassuring. A clear display showing the current floor number and the direction of travel helps residents maintain orientation during the journey between floors. Lift buttons should be large, well-spaced, and clearly labelled with both numbers and colour codes that correspond to the floor identification scheme. If possible, supplement the standard lift panel with a simplified panel at a lower height for wheelchair users, featuring larger buttons and clearer labelling.
Recommended Products
Our floor identification and lift lobby signs are designed for maximum impact in transitional spaces. Manufactured from 5mm solid white acrylic with textured 3D print, they feature bold floor numbers and directional arrows. DSDC-accredited with a 1A rating, each sign includes optional Braille and is available in colour-coded options to support floor-level identification schemes.
Stairwell Safety Signage#
Stairwells require careful attention to both wayfinding and safety signage. Every landing should display the current floor number prominently, along with directional signs indicating what is accessible on that level. Fire safety signage must comply with BS 5499 standards and should be positioned at every landing. In care homes where stairwells are access-controlled, signage should clearly explain any restrictions and provide reassurance that alternative routes are available via the lift.
Safety consideration
In many care homes, stairwells are secured with keypads or magnetic locks to prevent unsupervised access by residents with advanced dementia. Clear signage explaining the restriction, combined with directional signs to the nearest lift, prevents frustration and anxiety for residents who encounter a locked stairwell door.
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