Distilling authentic community-led strategies to support people with dementia to live well

The development of dementia-friendly communities underpins inclusionand enablement of individuals to live well with dementia incommunities for as long as possible. A number of strategies arebeing developed that present communities with models of “howto” become dementia-friendly. Communities are unique, with varyingdemographics, strengths, and resources that support local action.Indeed, the most valuable first step in the process of building adementia-friendly community may be a targeted conversation withinthe community itself. To this end, four unique Australian communitiesparticipated in facilitated workshops to explore their collectivedementia knowledge, visions for the future, community strengths,and possible actions to promote dementia-friendly initiatives.The diversity of communities that attended confirms that nosingle model of dementia-friendly communities should be imposed.A consultative-transformative approach to planning may meet theneeds of specific communities and will focus responsibility andreward for implementation at the local and individual level