Does evidence support the benefits of murals in residential care homes? Find out the myths and facts behind their use and potential impacts for people with dementia.

Murals are wall paintings and coverings that can be installed in internal or external settings. They are widely used in offices, public buildings, health service premises and care homes etc. as interior décor, often used to brighten up a room.

This position paper provides background information on the use of murals in care settings, issues around the lack of evidence-based research in murals having positive outcomes for people with dementia, and critically examines some common assumptions on the use of murals in the care setting.