Now that you’ve learned how physical spaces can support (or challenge) people living with dementia, it’s time to take a closer look at your own environment. This activity will help you see your space through a new lens – noticing how it feels, how it functions, and how easily someone could find comfort, confidence, and connection within it.
Using the template in your workbook, you’ll move through three simple parts:
- General Space Assessment – Start by reflecting on the overall atmosphere of your space and how it might feel to someone living with dementia.
- Specific Space Assessment – Use the checklist to identify what’s already working well, what could be improved, and what isn’t relevant to your setting.
- Action Plan – Choose a few steps you can take right away, make a plan for longer-term improvements, and explore alternative actions when larger changes aren’t possible yet.
This process isn’t about perfection – it’s about awareness, empathy, and steady progress. Even small adjustments can make a big emotional difference. Take your time, be curious, and notice how each step helps create a calmer, more supportive space for everyone.
Conclusion
You’ve learned how thoughtful design and small environmental changes can transform how people with dementia experience a space. By seeing your surroundings through their eyes, you can reduce confusion, ease stress, and create places that feel calm, welcoming, and supportive. Every improvement – no matter how small – helps build a community where everyone can feel safe and connected.
In Session 3, Small Actions, Big Changes, we’ll take this same spirit of awareness and apply it to everyday interactions, exploring how simple choices can have a powerful impact on how people living with dementia feel and engage with the world around them.