A few months ago we decided to remove the fence that separated the gardens between the Cottage (our community for people with the earlier stages of dementia) and the Lodge (Our community for people with the later stages of dementia). We are now observing residents from both communities visiting their neighbours for  a while and then strolling back, mostly of their own accord. The Pergola terrace at the Lodge has become particularly popular with social club members and residents at the Cottage. If ever there is a need for them to move from the Cottage to the Lodge then they will already feel at home. It is really interesting how seemingly simple layout changes can make profound changes to people’s well-being. It reminds me of an architect’s cliche: we make our environment, then the environment makes us. Design details really matter in dementia care.