Rest Home Signage Guide
A practical guide for New Zealand rest home and aged residential care managers on using dementia-friendly signage to meet HealthCERT certification standards.
HealthCERT Certification and the Rest Home Environment#
In New Zealand, rest homes and aged residential care facilities are certified under the Health and Disability Services (Safety) Act 2001. HealthCERT, a unit within the Ministry of Health, manages the certification process. Designated auditing agencies conduct audits against the Nga Paerewa Health and Disability Services Standard (NZS 8134:2021), which sets requirements for the physical environment, including wayfinding, signage, and environmental design for residents with cognitive impairment.
New Zealand's aged residential care sector includes rest homes, dementia units, hospitals, and psychogeriatric facilities. Regardless of your facility type, effective signage supports residents to navigate their environment safely and with dignity. The standards require that the physical environment is appropriate for the needs of the people using the service, which for residents with dementia means clear, consistent, and well-designed signage.
Meeting Nga Paerewa Requirements#
Key audit criteria supported by dementia-friendly signage in New Zealand rest homes:
- Safe and appropriate environment: Signage that reduces confusion and supports independent navigation
- Consumer rights: Personalised door signs that respect residents' identity and cultural preferences
- Infection prevention: Clear signage on handwashing stations and hygiene protocols
- Restraint minimisation: Effective wayfinding reduces the need for environmental restraints by helping residents navigate independently
- Cultural safety: Signs that are culturally appropriate and, where relevant, include te reo Maori alongside English
Pro Tip
New Zealand auditors value evidence of a Te Tiriti o Waitangi-informed approach. Consider how your signage scheme reflects cultural sensitivity, including the use of te reo Maori on key signs where appropriate. This demonstrates commitment to cultural safety and the principles of partnership, participation, and protection.
DSDC 1A Accreditation in New Zealand#
DSDC 1A accreditation from the University of Stirling is an internationally recognised benchmark for dementia-friendly design. While not mandated in New Zealand, it provides robust evidence that your signage meets rigorous standards for contrast, pictogram clarity, and suitability for people living with dementia. New Zealand rest homes and aged residential care facilities that adopt DSDC 1A accredited signage can reference this in their continuous improvement documentation.
Recommended Products
Our white pine and veridian green dementia-friendly door signs suit the clean, contemporary aesthetic common in New Zealand rest homes. DSDC 1A accredited and designed for clarity, they help residents navigate their environment with confidence.
A thoughtful signage scheme in your New Zealand rest home or aged residential care facility supports HealthCERT certification, enhances the daily experience of residents, and provides visible evidence to auditors that your facility is committed to delivering safe, person-centred care in a well-designed environment.
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