I was interested in knowing the views from the forum reference displays on corridor walls in residential care homes. In dementia wards displays known as ‘Wayfarer’ are often being provided, these taking the form of such things as seaside or farming themes. Materials could consist of paper, cardboard, string, shells, etc, and may be painted with water colours.
The displays are there to help orientate residents suffering from dementia, so that they will use the displays to orientate themselves which will help them remember the direction and location of areas within the home such as the lounge or toilet. Also they help to stimulate the mind.
It is my understanding some Fire Authorities are saying that they cannot have any of these displays on walls, others are accepting small display areas.
Looking at the guidance it could be argued that these combustible displays should not be provided in corridors providing escape. However, where the corridors are not dead end corridors and there is no ignition source and obviously fire detection is provided, with good compartmentation, do you think the principal of these displays would be acceptable in moderation.