Directional Signs

Directional signs are an enormously helpful part of our daily lives. We take them for granted and don’t really think about them, they’re just there and we use them all the time.

So why are they so seldom to be found in a care home environment?

With or without considering dementia, taking up residence in a large and unfamiliar building is going to be a challenge when it comes to wayfinding.

Factoring in additional issues dementia may create – such as a faltering short-term memory - and this new environment will never become familiar and wayfinding will constantly be a challenge.

Well designed, well-made directional signs can be a lifesaver. Or at least save additional stress and anxiety.

Our signs are created from a dementia perspective with all the dementia-specific features we know are essential clear:

· contrasting type, big enough to see and uncluttered

· An anti-glare surface that’s unaffected by reflections and visible from any angle.

· Smooth edges and rounded corners so they’re tactile and don’t create a hazard

· How they are installed is of particular importance because they must be need at a height everyone can see. We specify no more than 1400mm from floor level, ideally less.

Every directional sign is a bespoke design because every home is unique and we don’t charge a penny for supplying visuals for approval. With free visuals in hand, someone familiar with the building can check every detail is correct before the signs are manufactured.

It’s also essential to minimise the content so it’s clear and unambiguous. In our opinion, a good design is a sign that only provides one clear piece of information for one direction. If further information is needed – such as at a t-junction in a corridor – we recommend a second sign is used with a reasonable distance between them to avoid confusion.

If rooms or numbers are reassigned for any reason, you don’t have to replace the entire sign. For security and versatility our signs are supplied in two parts.

The rear is a 10mm fire-rated platform that is screwed securely to the wall or door. The fascia is then secured with four, transparent polycarbonate screws. Not only does this make the fascia very secure, it also hides the main fixings, making this a very secure sign. To our way of thinking, a secure sign is a reliable sign and always there when it’s needed.

When designing a care home signage scheme, it’s not only residents we think about, we also consider the needs of visitors and new staff members. People

who need directional signage but aren’t dealing with the issues residents may have.

This is where Directory signs are beneficial.

Directory signs display a lot of information in strategic locations, such as front-of-house or outside a lift. Content-rich and logically designed, a well placed directory sign provides exactly what visitors need to find their way around.