When creating or improving an environment for dementia patients in a health environment there are many aspects which can be customised to meet the needs of the patients. There have been studies which have taken into consideration the whole health care environment, namely The Kings Fund, Sterling University and The Alzheimer’s Society.
Theses studies have included navigation of care environments and the wellbeing of the patients. Pilot projects have looked at the internal space and where it is best to cater for Dementia patients. There is no specific research and guidance for signage/wayfinding in external space. The Equality Act 2010 should take precedence and be adhered to in these areas.
Legibility
It is important for all signage to be legible according to the following aspects:
Fonts – clear sanserif typefaces, Helvetica, Futura (which is NHS approved). All text should be sentence case and FULL CAPS should never be used.
Colours – high contrast, between font colour and sign background. Also between the sign and the surface, the sign is mounted to e.g, a yellow sign on a magnolia wall would no provide sufficient high contracts in which case we would recommend a red sign.
Materials – antiglare and non-reflective surfaces to ensure the signs are visible from all angles.
Size – the appropriate size of image and text for viewing distance
Colour
One of the key aspects to consider is the correct use of colours. Dementia patients are more likely to be visually impaired thus we need to use the appropriate colours to improve the environment and aid navigation, this will also reduce undue tension.
Red, yellow and orange are the last colours to be recognised, as colour retention deteriorates these colours then become the most appropriate to use for clarity as regards to wayfinding, furniture, etc…
Location
The needs of a Dementia patient are different from the needs others healthcare users. Signs needs to be located at a height (approximately 4 foot/1.21m) that makes viewing them easy. *
There is a distinct difference to the guidance given under The Equality Act 2010 guidelines so discretion needs to be made in the context and particular situation. All signage should clearly be associated with the door it is related to and adhere to the colour principles for Dementia signage.
Content
The content for all of the signage needs to be appropriate to the needs of the patients. The following principles will enable a successful solution:
Use of Plain English – medical terminology should be kept to an absolute minimum
Pictures and text – each sign must have an associated image to describe the text. For example, a picture of a toilet beside the “Toilet” text, just a symbol of a woman or wheelchair is not sufficient.
Ward & Bedside images – A specific image for each ward / patient so they can identify/find their ward / bed easily.
Environment
It is important to consider that signage isn’t the only element of wayfinding that can improve the environment in which patients are cared for.
Things to consider:
Common Areas – the use of neutral colours in all the common areas will create a calm and uncluttered space.
Bays, Beds & Social Spaces – accent colours in these areas help them to be more distinguishable and easy to find.
Artworks – appropriate artwork can be used to make the environment welcoming but also to stimulate the memory of the patients. It is important to understand the patients and provide the appropriate artwork which relates to their past.
Floors – all floors need to be uncluttered and be in contrast to the environment around them, including the walls, furniture etc…
Doors – doors for patients to use need to be contrasting to the colour of the wall. For example with a magnolia wall, a red door would be appropriate. As well as non-patient access areas the doors should be the same colour as the wall so the patient cannot identify the door.
Accessibility – other aspects of accessibility should be clear and in contrast to their environment, handrails, furniture and toilet seats, all help reduce the risk of trip and falls.
Considering all of these aspects will ensure a better quality of care as well as a safer and comforting time for the patients and their families. These aspects are not just for navigation but also creating an environment where the patients feel safe and are able to have their own independence.
Implementing these measures from experience has had clear success overnight in reducing falls and improving the care for patients.
* “Is your ward dementia friendly? EHE Environmental Assessment Tool”
If you are undertaking the signing of a care facility or dementia ward please contact us to arrange a wayfinding survey, we can work with you to develop a successful strategy.