Case study · Healthcare
Elmleigh Care Home
Care home wayfinding and accessibility refresh
Full internal and external signage refresh for a 60-bed care home in Hinckley. Tactile/braille throughout, dementia-friendly wayfinding, and CQC-compliant signage.
120
Internal signs
8
External signs
Pass
CQC inspection (signage non-issue)
60
Bedrooms with new door signage
The challenge
Elmleigh's previous signage predated the latest CQC dementia care guidance. Resident wayfinding was inconsistent (different fonts, colours, mounting heights), and the visitor signage didn't meet current accessibility standards. The home's management team commissioned a refresh as part of a broader CQC inspection preparation.
What we did
Internal wayfinding redesigned around dementia-friendly principles: high-contrast pictograms, consistent colour-coding by floor and zone, mounting heights at the lower of accessible (1500mm to handle) for resident use. Tactile and braille on all destination signs. Bedroom door signage in standardised format with name and pictogram. External signage updated to match internal system.
Elmleigh Care Home is a 60-bed residential care home in Hinckley with dementia and nursing care. The signage refresh was driven by upcoming CQC inspection and the home's commitment to dementia-friendly environment design.
The brief
Three things needed to change. First, the internal wayfinding was inconsistent — different fonts, colours, and mounting heights from accumulated additions over years. Second, the bedroom door signage was a mix of old laminated paper, plastic name plates, and recent vinyl additions. Third, the external signage didn't meet the current accessibility standards (BS 8300 mounting heights, tactile/braille requirements for accessible toilets and key destinations).
What we delivered
Full internal wayfinding system using dementia-friendly principles: high-contrast pictograms (white on dark blue), consistent colour-coding by floor and care zone, mounting heights matched to resident accessibility. Tactile and braille signage on all destination signs (toilets, lounges, dining rooms, fire exits) per BS 8300. Bedroom door signage standardised with resident's name and a pictogram (dementia care guidance recommends pictogram-led identification rather than just text). External signage updated: monolith at the entrance, building identification, accessible parking signage, and visitor wayfinding to reception.
The CQC outcome
Signage and environment were not flagged as concerns at the subsequent CQC inspection — the inspector specifically noted the dementia-friendly wayfinding as good practice. The home's manager has used the refresh as part of marketing collateral for new resident enquiries.
"The team understood dementia care wayfinding without needing it explained. They did a survey, came back with a system, and we approved it with minor changes. The CQC inspector specifically commented on the wayfinding."
Care Home Manager
Elmleigh Care Home, Hinckley
Want similar results for your site?
Tell us what you need and we will respond with a quote within 24 hours. Free site survey for larger projects.