We have been undertaking space studies for a major London NHS trust to develop a strategy for the potential change and improvement for dementia sufferers in existing care centres. Through varying degrees of remodelling of rooms and spaces, we aim to improve the patients and staff's experience.

We looked at the key principles for dementia friendly care homes, including creating meaningful activity, legibility and familiary of space, orientation and wayfinding. These helf ease decision making, reduce agitation and stree, encourage independence and social interaction, promote safety and enable activities of daily living.

We developed options ranging from minimal intervention through to a full remodel. We integrated simple measures, such as the introduction of different bedroom door colours and street-type signage to improve wayfinding. Increasing passibe observation was also key to ensure an improved experience for both patients and staff. In options with a greater degree of intervention we carefully considered daylighting, to create pleasant and light open living spaces.