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Objectives: During the last decennia, there is a paradigm shift in the care for persons with dementia from a traditional medical care model towards a more holistic, normalized care model. This study aims at investigating the different care models or frameworks that guide current care practice in residential care for persons with dementia. Two questions guided the study: (1) What care frameworks are prevalent and dominant in residential care practice for persons with dementia? (2) How do these care frameworks relate to the building environment of nursing homes for residents with dementia? Method: An electronic survey was sent to directors of all Flemish nursing homes (n=772, response n=162). A mixed-method approach is used: open-ended questions on the two central themes, background characteristics and two structured scales, a newly developed instrument on View of Dementia Care, as well as the Approaches to Dementia Questionnaire (Lintern, 1996). Results: When asked about their personal and spontaneous view on optimal dementia care, respondents mainly refer to the current holistic models with person-centred care. Few respondents immediately incorporate the material environment as important vehicle for realizing optimal care for persons with dementia. However, other respondents gave clear descriptions on how the design of the nursing home supports the realization of their view on optimal care for persons with dementia. Conclusion: This study confirms that there is a common of general shift towards holistic and person-centered care models. Nursing homes differ in the way the material environment is used to support optimal dementia care.