Assisted living facilities offer a variety of amenities, including resident rooms, a dining hall, event spaces, and recreational areas, and effective wayfinding signage is essential to help residents and their visitors navigate and reach their desired destinations with ease. Otherwise, they are at a risk of wasting their time and energy aimlessly circling the area without clear directions, trying to locate what they need. Wayfinding signage is a specific type of signage that helps people navigate through a space or environment. This type of signage typically features maps, directional arrows, and other information to help users find their way to specific locations within a building, campus, or public space.

Wayfinding signage is commonly used in senior care communities to help residents and their guests navigate efficiently and effectively, reducing confusion and improving the overall user experience. In an article published by Robin, “Well-designed signage creates more visual cues and a better experience for employees and visitors, ensuring they feel confident in their ability to navigate.” Continue reading to discover 5 ways for maximizing your wayfinding signage:

  • Be Clear and Concise: Make sure your signage is straightforward and easy to read. Use simple language and minimal wording to convey the necessary information. Avoid jargon or complicated language. For example, instead of saying “Please do not obstruct this exit, as it is reserved for emergency personnel only,” you could simply say “Emergency Exit Only.” Or instead of listing areas individually on a directory sign (example: “The Lobby, Nurse on Duty Station, and Recreation Room are all on the left”), you could simply list all three areas with an arrow pointing to the left. These directional signs get straight to the point and are easily understood by all.
A man smiles downward at the woman he is pushing in a wheelchair in an assisted listing nursing home facility. DIRECTORY signage on the wall shows where to find the dining hall, activity room, lobby, chapel, and nurses station.
  • Have a Cohesive Design: Keep the design of your signage consistent throughout the building. Use the same style, font, and color scheme to create continuity that is easy to follow. This will help to establish a unified brand image and make it easier for residents and their guests to navigate the building. It also adds a level of professionalism and attention to detail that will be sure to impress. Consistency in design helps build trust and credibility, as visitors will see that management pays attention to even the smallest details. HealthcareSigns.com features more than 60 sign collections, each of which includes matching room number signs, common area signs, directional signs, restroom signs, information signs, fire safety signs, and stair and exit signs which coordinate seamlessly. 
  • Ensure Strategic Placement: Place your signage in high traffic areas where residents and their guests are likely to see them. Make sure they are visible from a distance and positioned at eye level for easy reading. All of our signs are guaranteed to meet current ADA regulations, and we provide guidance on proper installation to ensure compliance. Lastly, make sure your signage is well-lit, particularly in dim areas such as corridors and stairwells.
  • Provide Directions: Use directional wall signs and floor directory signage to guide residents and their guests to key areas such as the dining hall, restrooms, lobby, and resident rooms. Directional signs are typically located at key intersections and decision points throughout the building. To help guests navigate around the facility, include arrows to indicate a direction and use numbers to indicate floors levels.
A woman holding her son consults the facility's DIRECTORY sign showing where to find resident rooms, dining hall, activity room, chapel, and nurses station.
  • Update Signage Regularly: Frequently review and update your wayfinding signage to reflect any changes in the building layout or facilities. Remove outdated signage and replace it with new information, as needed. Updating signage will also ensure that residents and their guests are receiving the most accurate and up-to-date information.

To make the most of your wayfinding signage, be sure to observe how visitors interact with it and gather feedback to identify any areas that may need improvement. Make adjustments as needed to ensure a seamless and intuitive navigation experience. By actively seeking and incorporating input, you can continuously refine and enhance the wayfinding system to meet the needs and expectations of your residents and their guests. If you find that you are in need of new wayfinding signage – such as building directory signs, overhead signs, exit signs, or more – visit HealthcareSigns.com to shop! For assistance, call us at 877-714-6588 to speak with our dedicated customer service team.