Dementia-Friendly Environment and Practice Audit - Care Homes

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  • Is there a dementia care strategy or framework guiding both environmental adaptations and care delivery?
  • Are all staff trained in dementia awareness and person-centred approaches to communication and support?
  • Are the home’s communal and private spaces adapted with dementia-friendly design features (e.g., contrast colours, clear signage, familiar objects)?
  • Are lighting levels, noise, and layout regularly reviewed to reduce confusion or distress for people with dementia?
  • Are corridors free of clutter and designed to support orientation and safe wandering?
  • Are memory aids (e.g., personalised door signs, activity boards, memory boxes) used to support recognition and routine?
  • Is the home environment stimulating without being overwhelming for residents with cognitive impairment?
  • Are care plans person-centred and include life history, preferred routines, and known triggers or comfort strategies?
  • Are staff trained to use validation, redirection, and non-verbal techniques in supporting residents with dementia?
  • Are activity programmes adapted for cognitive stimulation, reminiscence, and sensory engagement?
  • Are staff aware of how to respond appropriately to distressed behaviours without using sedation or restraint?
  • Is there access to outdoor or garden space that is enclosed, safe, and designed with dementia users in mind?
  • Are bedrooms personalised and familiar, supporting residents’ sense of identity and belonging?
  • Are residents encouraged and supported to maintain independence in ADLs (activities of daily living)?
  • Is there a consistent staffing approach to reduce anxiety and improve continuity for residents with dementia?
  • Are staff trained to detect signs of pain, illness, or unmet need that may present as behavioural changes?
  • Are noise levels (e.g., alarms, TVs, radios) managed to minimise overstimulation or confusion?
  • Are dining experiences adapted with clear table settings, contrast plates, and support for pacing and choice?
  • Is the use of antipsychotics monitored and reviewed in line with best practice and least-restrictive approaches?
  • Are residents with dementia supported to engage with music, art, pets, or nature-based therapies?
  • Are falls risk assessments adapted for residents with cognitive impairment?
  • Are family members involved in developing care plans and routines for residents living with dementia?
  • Are end-of-life care needs for residents with advanced dementia anticipated and addressed with dignity?
  • Is the physical layout reviewed regularly for dementia accessibility (e.g., flooring contrast, exit visibility, handrails)?
  • Is feedback from residents with dementia gathered using observational or sensory tools to understand experience?