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. 2019 Aug;34(8):1235-1243.
doi: 10.1002/gps.5123. Epub 2019 May 20.

Dementia Friendly Communities in England: A scoping study

Stefanie Buckner  1 , Nicole Darlington  2 , Michael Woodward  3 , Marina Buswell  2 , Elspeth Mathie  2 , Antony Arthur  3 , Louise Lafortune  1 , Anne Killett  3 , Andrea Mayrhofer  2 , John Thurman  3 , Claire Goodman  2   4
Affiliations

Dementia Friendly Communities in England: A scoping study

Stefanie Buckner et al. Int J Geriatr Psychiatry. 2019 Aug.

Abstract

Objectives: To describe the characteristics of Dementia Friendly Communities (DFCs) across England in order to inform a national evaluation of their impact on the lives of those affected by dementia.

Methods: DFCs in England were identified through online searches and Alzheimer's Society records. A subsample (n = 100) were purposively selected for in-depth study based on online searches and, where necessary, follow-up telephone calls. Data collection and analysis were guided by a pilot evaluation tool for DFCs that addressed how DFCs are organised and resourced and how their impact is assessed. The evidence was predominantly qualitative, in addition to some descriptive quantitative information.

Results: Of 284 DFCs identified, 251 were defined by geographical location, while 33 were communities of interest. Among 100 sampled DFCs, 89 had been set up or started activities following policy endorsement of DFCs in 2012. In the resourcing of DFCs, statutory agencies and charities played an important role. Among DFC activities, awareness raising was cited most commonly. There was some evidence of involvement of people living with dementia in organisational and operational aspects of DFCs. Approaches to evaluation varied, with little evidence of findings having effected change.

Conclusions: DFCs are characterised by variation in type, resourcing, and activities. England has policy endorsement and a recognition system for DFCs. These can be important catalysts for initiation and growth. A systematic approach to evaluation is lacking. This would enable DFCs to be consistent in how they demonstrate progress and how they enable people living with dementia to live well.

Keywords: Dementia Friendly Communities; England; awareness raising; dementia; evaluation tool; inclusion; older adults; online data.

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Conflict of interest statement

None declared.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Selection process for 100 sampled Dementia Friendly Communities (DFCs) in England [Colour figure can be viewed at wileyonlinelibrary.com]
Figure 2
Figure 2
Data extraction form for sampled Dementia Friendly Communities (DFCs)
See this image and copyright information in PMC

References

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