Dementia-Friendly Environment and Practice Audit - Care Homes

Q1 | Unanswered

Does the service have a clear dementia-care approach that is person-led, rights-based and reflected in the environment and everyday staff practice?

Q2 | Unanswered

Do personal plans capture each person's life history, identity, routines, relationships, communication needs, preferences, strengths and what helps them feel safe?

Q3 | Unanswered

Are people living with dementia involved in decisions about their care, routines and environment as far as possible, with appropriate communication and time?

Q4 | Unanswered

Are staff trained and supported to use compassionate, person-centred dementia practice, including communication, consent, dignity and emotional reassurance?

Q5 | Unanswered

Do staff use familiar approaches, validation, reassurance, non-verbal communication and meaningful conversation to support people who are distressed or confused?

Q6 | Unanswered

Are changes in mood, behaviour, withdrawal, sleep or appetite recognised as possible communication of unmet need and reviewed promptly?

Q7 | Unanswered

Do staff consider pain, infection, delirium, constipation, dehydration, medication effects, sensory loss and environmental triggers when a person is distressed or has changed behaviour?

Q8 | Unanswered

Are bedrooms and shared spaces personalised, familiar and arranged to support identity, comfort, orientation, privacy and independence?

Q9 | Unanswered

Are signage, wayfinding, colour contrast, lighting, flooring and layout adapted to support orientation and safe movement without creating confusion or distress?

Q10 | Unanswered

Are noise, glare, clutter, strong reflections, temperature and sensory stimulation managed to create a calm and comfortable environment?

Q11 | Unanswered

Are corridors, toilets, communal areas, outdoor space and access routes safe, uncluttered and supportive of purposeful walking and independence?

Q12 | Unanswered

Are memory aids, familiar objects, visual prompts and technology used meaningfully to support recognition, routine, communication and choice?

Q13 | Unanswered

Are activities, meals and daily routines adapted to provide meaningful occupation, sensory engagement, reminiscence, choice and enjoyment at different stages of dementia?

Q14 | Unanswered

Are people supported to maintain mobility, independence, relationships, hobbies and community connection without unnecessary restriction?

Q15 | Unanswered

Are distress, behaviours that challenge and safety concerns managed through understanding, prevention, de-escalation and least-restrictive support rather than inappropriate restraint or sedation?

Q16 | Unanswered

Are restrictions, sensor systems, locked areas, bed rails and medicines reviewed for necessity, proportionality, consent, capacity and impact on the person?

Q17 | Unanswered

Are families, carers, advocates and relevant professionals involved appropriately in developing comfort strategies, care plans and support approaches?

Q18 | Unanswered

Are staff supported through supervision, reflection and observation to learn from people's experiences and deliver consistent dementia-friendly practice?

Q19 | Unanswered

Are people's feedback, observed wellbeing, incidents and outcomes used to review the environment and improve dementia support?

Q20 | Unanswered

Can the service demonstrate that people living with dementia experience an enabling, reassuring and inclusive environment that supports wellbeing, dignity and quality of life?