Designing for Dementia: A Multiple Case Study Approach to Explore How Care Home Environments May Influence Wandering

Rosie Bamber, Emily Fisher, Bryony Waters-Harvey, Tamara Backhouse, Iria Cunha, Liz Jones, Mary Gemma Cherry, Sion Scott, Emma Hock, Reena Devi, Karen Spilsbury, Jignasa Mehta, Clarissa Giebel, Alys Wyn Griffiths, School of Medicine and Population Health, University of Sheffield, School of Health Sciences, University of East Anglia, School of Healthcare, University of Leeds, Department of Primary Care and Mental Health, University of Liverpool, School of Healthcare, University of Leicester, NIHR ARC North West Coast

Dementia: The International Journal of Social Research and Practice

Published online on July 11, 2026

Abstract

Dementia, Ahead of Print.
Up to 60% of people living with dementia ‘wander’ in care homes. Previously perceived negatively, wandering is increasingly recognised as a meaningful activity, driven by enjoyment, routine, and social connection. Care home environments can support or ...