Dementia Friendly America
The Dementia Friendly America movement began in September 2015 following the White House Conference on Aging and is based on Minnesota’s statewide successful initiative, ACT on Alzheimer’s. DFA launched in 2015 with pilot communities in Denver, CO; Prince George’s County, MD; Santa Clara County, CA; Tempe, AZ; and the state of West Virginia.
Dementia Friendly America is an all-sector approach to providing services for individuals living with dementia and their families. We all have a part to play in creating a community where all people can live, age, and thrive.
Sectors of our community can be Dementia Friendly by doing the following:
- Businesses and Banking support customers with dementia by accommodating cognitive impairment.
- Law enforcement and first responders recognize signs of dementia respond accordingly.
- Health care systems promote early diagnosis and connect individuals with community services.
- Faith communities are welcoming and have specialized programs, services or accommodations.
- Local governments plan and implement housing, transportation, public spaces, and emergency response that enable people with dementia and care partners to thrive.
- Community members learn how to interact sensitively and create networks of support.
- Restaurants, grocery stores, and libraries offer services and supports that foster access and independence.
- Employers support employees who are caregivers through proactive personnel policies.
- Residential care and community services offer a range of services to maximize independence and support ongoing community engagement.
