Signing for Dementia

We are increasingly being asked for signage suitable for people with Dementia and have been working with a number of high profile organisations to develop products to promote inclusive wayfinding.

Part of the problem seems to be a lack of understanding. Dementia is a collective term used to describe the problems that people with various underlying brain disorders or damage can have with their memory, language, thinking and day to day problem solving. Dementia is generally progressive and will gradually worsen over time.

Many of the products on offer are based on disability legislation and are unfortunately frequently unsuitable for dementia sufferers. For example, a standard toilet door sign would normally depict the symbol of a man, women or a wheelchair. A person suffering from Dementia would not necessarily interpret this as a toilet sign whereas an actual picture of a toilet with male or female may be more appropriate.