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.
A dementia friendly community includes people living with dementia in conversations and decisions that affect their lives. It creates welcoming and accessible physical and social environments that respond to their needs. Businesses, organizations, service providers, and community members promote awareness and understanding, while partnerships across sectors help create 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. Sessions may include recognizing potential signs and symptoms of dementia, creating inclusive and accessible spaces, and 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 Education team will work with your organization or group to understand your needs and provide customized, in-person training.
[Book a Free DFC Education Session]
Online Learning
Complete the Dementia Friendly Canada Online Modules through Alzeducate, followed by a personalized session with our Public Education team. This follow-up provides an opportunity to ask questions and explore how dementia-friendly practices can be applied to your organization or sector. Online learning is currently available for recreation and libraries, restaurants and retail, and public transportation.
[Access the Online Modules]
How You Can Get Involved
Everyone has a role to play in creating Dementia Friendly Communities. Whether you're an individual, volunteer, business, organization, community group, or municipal government, there are ways to take action.
Become a Dementia Friend
Individuals and volunteers can 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 Supporter Organization
Businesses, organizations, community groups, and municipal governments can demonstrate their commitment to dementia-friendly practices. Organizations are recognized when at least 75% of client- or public-facing staff have completed DFC training and receive a Dementia Friendly Decal, website listing, and recognition through our communications.
[Learn More About Becoming a Supporter Organization]
Resources & Guides
Explore practical resources, tools, and guides to help your organization or community become more dementia-friendly.
Dementia Friendly Canada – Tip sheets
Get Started
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]