Dementia-Friendly Canada

By 2050, more than 1.7 million Canadians are expected to be living with dementia, with an average of 685 individuals diagnosed each day. We all have a role to play in creating a country where people living with dementia are met with compassion and are acknowledged as rightful members of society.

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What is Dementia-Friendly Canada? 

The Dementia-Friendly Canada project is a partnership between Alzheimer Societies across the country, intended to grow dementia-friendly communities by creating a truly nation-wide impact. 

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A dementia-friendly community is a place where people living with dementia, their families and care partners feel welcomed, included and supported.  

The Dementia-Friendly Canada project provides educational resources for the general public and professionals working in the community to mobilize them to champion dementia-friendly principles wherever they go. 

What are the goals of Dementia-Friendly Canada?

The logo for the Dementia-Friendly Canada project, which is a blue forget-me-not flower in front of a red maple leaf

It is critical that the Dementia-Friendly Canada project is guided by the voices of people with lived experience. We are committed to building tools and resources that can be easily utilized across the country. 

Dementia-Friendly Canada has three main goals:  

  1. Increasing national awareness of dementia and the importance of fostering dementia-friendly communities from coast to coast, through the development of awareness campaigns and resources. 
  2. Empowering the general public and sector-specific professionals to create dementia-friendly communities through the continued development of educational materials, resources and online courses.  
  3. Achieving sustainability and ensuring the growth of dementia-friendly communities across the country. 
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Dementia-friendly businesses, organizations and community groups  

Click here to learn the steps your workplace, organization or group can take to become dementia friendly. 

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Dementia-Friendly Communities initiatives  

Click here to connect with your provincial/local dementia-friendly communities team  

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Dementia-friendly resources and educational materials 

Click here to access free online education, videos and resources to support you in becoming dementia friendly

 

 

Thank you to the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC)

Financial contribution from the Public Health Agency of Canada / Agence de la santé publique du Canada/

The Alzheimer Society of Canada welcomes the $940,000 investment in the ‘Dementia-Friendly Canada’ project under the Dementia Community Investment from the Government of Canada, administered by the Public Health Agency of Canada.

The Society applauds the Government of Canada for recognizing the impact of dementia, as well as its commitment to creating more understanding and acceptance of dementia.

The views expressed on the Dementia-Friendly Canada webpages do not necessarily represent the views of the Public Health Agency of Canada.

What is dementia?

The term "dementia" doesn't actually refer to one, specific disease. Rather, it's an overall term for a set of symptoms that are caused by disorders affecting the brain.

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Using person-centred language

The Alzheimer Society has developed language guidelines for anyone who lives with, supports, or works with a person living with dementia or caregiver. These guidelines can help you promote consistent, respectful language around dementia.

Learn more
Person-centred language guidelines.

Meaningful engagement of people living with dementia

Meaningful engagement is a person-centred approach that encourages and invites people living with dementia to participate in an organization's work with purpose and interest. By practicing meaningful engagement, you can benefit from people living with dementia becoming more involved in your organization.

Learn more
Meaningful engagement of people with dementia.

Canada's national dementia strategy

On June 17, 2019, the Government of Canada released the country’s first-ever national dementia strategy: A Dementia Strategy for Canada: Together We Aspire. On this page, learn more about the strategy, what it means for Canadians and why it needs to be fully funded.

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Your guide to Canada's national dementia strategy.

Our Advisory Group of People with Lived Experience of Dementia

Our Advisory Group of People with Lived Experience of Dementia is a community of people who guide the Alzheimer Society of Canada. By drawing on their personal stories of living with or supporting people with dementia, our members can share their voices to change how dementia is understood and treated in Canada.

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Reports on dementia

Understand dementia and its impact in Canada and around the world. Here you will find reports by the Alzheimer Society of Canada, other leading Canadian organizations, and international authorities.

Learn more
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