Dining Room/Living Room

1. Dresser/shelves unit presents physical obstacle which may inhibit entry into living room.
2. Dining "nooks" offer more privacy for special occasions (family, fiend visits).
3. Tables have straight sides which enables residents to determine their "territory" easier. Borders around edges helps with visual acuity. Placemat color can be chosen by the residents to increase feeling control. Placemats can also increase visual contrast and help decrease accidents and spills. Easier to identify appropriate number of place settings for "table setters". 
4. Tables sizes are designed to sit 2 – 4 people. Small groups are preferable, group seating can be overstimulating. Communication and attention span is better in smaller groups.
5. Fireplace offers a residential ambiance.
6. Chairs have arms and sturdy construction but elegant look. Color scheme matches unit.
7. Drapes filter light to reduce glare and promote residential feeling at mealtime. 
8. Lighting is a combination of direct and indirect sources. Maximum brightness is obtained with minimal glare. 
9. Attractive yet sturdy furniture gives back support which helps to reduce fatigue and incontinence. Chairs and couches have treated fabric and no sharp edges. No furniture should have casters which may move as resident gets up.
10. Artwork is stylish but not overstimulating. Bold geometric designs can be very disorienting for the Alzheimer's population. Artwork should have some meaning to the residents.
11. All unused wall sockets should be covered for safety. 
12. Carpet is helpful in decreasing noise which allows more effective conversation between residents. Carpet should be colorfast and have a moisture proof barrier backing. 
13. Library provides materials for independent and group activities. 
14. Size of room is large enough to allow safe movement of residents and multiple activities without being overstimulating. 
15. Outdoor view offers pleasant scenery during meals or leisure time. 
16. A bathroom is close by to decrease incontinence. Signage displays word "toilet" and a picture to decrease confusion.  
17. Overall appearance encourages dining. Multi purpose dining areas can be confusing to residents.  
18. Chandeliers give elegant relaxed ambiance. 
19. High ceilings decrease noise allowing better concentration on their meals. Quilts, carpeting, and wall hangings can also help decrease acoustical distractions.
20. Bonus adaptation. 
21. Signs of a place setting or food items can further assist with resident orientation.
22. Dining area is open and easy to find. A single enclosed centrally located dining area may be hard to locate – resulting in increased frustration, the possibility of residents skipping meals, and ultimately a lack of proper nutrition.