Designing for Dignity: A Look at Memory Care Neighbourhoods in Long-Term Care

The Dr. Barrie Strafford Centre for Learning, Innovation, and Quality has completed an in-depth exploration examining the feasibility of memory care neighbourhoods as an emerging model in dementia and long-term care design. 

The review looks at how care environments can be intentionally structured to better support individuals living with cognitive impairment, with a focus on improving daily experience, autonomy, and quality of life. It considers how evolving approaches to care design are moving away from more traditional institutional models toward environments that are more homelike, supportive, and integrated into daily living. 

Drawing on existing research and international examples, the review highlights how environmental design plays a significant role in shaping the experience of care. Elements such as spatial layout, access to safe and meaningful indoor and outdoor spaces, and overall wayfinding and orientation are discussed as key factors that can influence mobility, independence, and engagement for residents living with dementia. 

The review also situates memory care neighbourhoods within broader shifts in dementia care innovation, where there is increasing emphasis on balancing safety with dignity, independence, and person-centred living. These approaches reflect growing interest in care models that support not only clinical needs, but also social connection and quality of life. 

Overall, the work contributes to ongoing discussions in long-term care reform and dementia care design, offering insight into how built environments can better support both residents and care teams in delivering more responsive and meaningful care.

The full summary can be read here.