Dementia Friendly Communities
Creating communities where everyone feels welcome, included, and supported.
What is a Dementia Friendly Community?
A Dementia Friendly Community is a place where people living with dementia, along with their families and care partners, feel welcomed, included, and supported.
It is a community that recognizes and responds to the social and physical needs of people living with dementia, while reducing stigma, increasing awareness, and empowering people living with dementia to make decisions about their own lives.
Elements of a Dementia Friendly Community
People living with dementia should be at the centre of the conversation and included in decisions that affect their lives.
Communities should provide physical and social environments that are welcoming, accessible, and responsive to the needs of people living with dementia.
Organizations, including businesses and service providers, can develop dementia-friendly approaches and strategies that promote inclusion and support.
Partnerships and collaboration across sectors are essential to building collective action and creating meaningful, lasting change.
Dementia Friendly Communities Training
Dementia Friendly Communities training helps organizations and groups create environments that are safe, accessible, inclusive, and supportive for people living with dementia.
Training can be tailored to the needs of your organization, group, or community and may include:
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Recognizing the potential signs and symptoms of dementia
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Creating inclusive and accessible physical spaces
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Using effective communication strategies when interacting with people living with dementia
Free Education Sessions
The Alzheimer Society Huron Perth offers free Dementia Friendly Communities education sessions. Our public educators will work with your organization or group to understand your needs and provide customized, in-person training.
[Book a Free DFC Education Session]
How Can My Organization or Community Access DFC Training?
Live Presentations
Arrange a live Dementia Friendly Communities presentation with our Public Education team. Sessions can be customized to your organization, community group, or sector.
[Book a Presentation]
Online Learning
Complete the Dementia Friendly Canada Online Modules on Alzeducate, followed by a personalized session with our Public Education team. This follow-up session provides an opportunity to ask questions and explore how dementia friendly practices can be applied to your specific context or sector.
The e-learning courses are currently designed for the following sectors:
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Recreation and libraries
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Restaurants and retail
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Public transportation
[Access the Online Modules]
Become a Dementia-Friendly Supporter Organization
A Dementia Friendly Supporter Organization is an organization or group where at least 75% of client- or public-facing staff have completed DFC training.
Depending on the size of the organization and the nature of its work, recognition may apply to the entire organization, a department, or a specific team.
Becoming a Dementia-Friendly Supporter Organization demonstrates your commitment to creating a more inclusive and welcoming community for people living with dementia and their care partners.
Benefits of Becoming a Dementia-Friendly Supporter Organization
Recognized organizations will receive:
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Dementia Friendly Decal – Display a decal at your business or storefront to show your commitment to being dementia friendly.
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Featured Listing – Your organization will be featured on our website.
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Recognition – Receive acknowledgement through our newsletter and website.
[Learn More About Becoming a Supporter Organization]
How You Can Help
Everyone has a role to play in creating Dementia Friendly Communities. Whether you are an individual, volunteer, business, organization, community group, or municipal government, there are ways to get involved.
Become a Dementia Friend
For individuals, including people who work or volunteer with organizations and community groups. Learn how small changes in understanding, communication, and everyday interactions can help create more welcoming communities for people living with dementia.
Become a Dementia Friendly Community Supporter
For businesses, organizations, community groups, and municipal governments looking to take action and receive recognition for their commitment to creating a dementia-friendly environment.
Why Get Involved?
Becoming part of Dementia Friendly Communities you can:
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Join a global movement working to create more inclusive communities
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Support a growing part of our population and the people who care for them
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Strengthen community connections and create a greater sense of belonging
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Improve customer and community experiences through greater awareness and understanding
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Create long-term community impact by building more accessible and inclusive environments
Resources & Guides
Explore practical resources, tools, and guides to help your organization or community become more dementia-friendly.
Dementia Friendly Canada – Tip sheets
Get Involved
Ready to take the next step? Whether you want to become a Dementia Friend, arrange training for your organization, or learn more about becoming a Dementia Friendly Community Supporter Organization, we're here to help.
[Get Started]
Have Questions?
To learn more or get started, contact a member of our Public Education team.
Perth
Jessica Lawson
Public Education Coordinator
519-217-1910
[email protected]
Huron
Jeanette Sears
Public Education Coordinator
519-482-1482
[email protected]
[Contact the Public Education Team]