Dementia-Inclusive Communities and Neighbourhoods
This page features real-life examples and up-to-date research on dementia inclusive neighbourhoods, showcasing how cities and communities are adapting design to support people living with dementia. You’ll find practical case studies and guidance from around the world to inspire and inform those interested in building more inclusive, supportive environments.
Here's why these neighbourhoods are important
Dementia inclusive neighbourhoods are crucial because they help people living with dementia, loved ones and care partners stay active, connected, and independent within their community. Inclusive design makes public spaces safer, easier to navigate, and more welcoming by incorporating features like clearer signage, rest areas, accessible pathways, and familiar landmarks. These improvements reduce confusion and isolation, promote social participation, and benefit everyone, not just people with dementia, but their families, friends, and the wider public. As global populations age and more people live at home with dementia, such neighbourhoods become an essential way to foster wellbeing, independence, ageing in place, and quality of life for all members of the community.
Notice: Clicking these links will take you to third-party websites. We do not own or control the content on external sites and are not responsible for their accuracy, completeness, or opinions expressed. Please note, not all external resources may use dementia‑inclusive language.
Australasia/Oceania
Dementia Friendly Communities: Margaret River (Environment)
Youtube Video: https://youtu.be/glBqDpkBAAc?si=CKDXd3ZUrT4BJmN_
Making Western Sydney transport dementia friendly
Youtube Video:https://youtu.be/G0RijkG3nQA?si=eYiuzMIilHCIQmL7
Adelaide Creating Dementia Friendly Swimming Experiences
Youtube Video:https://youtu.be/zU_LQoQYBtU?si=5F9420l8UIY553-T
Creating a more dementia-friendly swimming experience
https://youtu.be/getgW2KZEzU?si=DSkqPgmHOzZ_VBq4
Creating Dementia Friendly Communities
Youtube Video:https://youtu.be/Edj1quNs40A?si=m0VI0oeRDNOzwAJ8
Community Café Toolkit
Youtube Video:https://youtu.be/t6RuaZ66CI8?si=Embt7xJm05D3bCRH
North America
Research connects I DemSCAPE: Developing dementia-inclusive neighbourhoods
Simon Fraser University Blog: https://www.sfu.ca/ceri/blog/2023/Designing-dementia-inclusive-neighbourhoods.html
Age and Dementia Inclusive Guidelines: https://www.sfu.ca/demscape/knowledge-mobilization/dementia-inclusive-planning-and-design-guidelines.html
Youtube Video: https://youtu.be/Ocqa7Vj1Prg?si=XRXaoX2KII1C4XXH
Webinar: Creating Inclusive Neighbourhoods for People Living with Dementia
Youtube Video: https://youtu.be/7uGdQSmHXN0?si=ILHqnWYTrreD8OSA
East Asia
Creating an age-friendly, enabling environment for social participation
Youtube Video: https://youtu.be/qspyyiGwF24?si=SzYv6XglgIndFTjO
Lin lives in a world-first village where care for her dementia is 'built-in'. Could this model go global?
South East Asia
Dementia-Friendly Neighbourhoods (Includes a list of resources)
Webapge: https://www.dementiahub.sg/i-want-to-play-a-part/dementia-friendly-neighbourhoods/
Creating Dementia-Inclusive Environment in Singapore with Dementia-Friendly Design Principles
Youtube Videos: https://youtu.be/vPFe_ggOzyA?si=9H-VERbGUqZo8o_s
Emi Kiyota - Making Neighbourhoods Dementia-Friendly
Youtube Video: https://youtu.be/w4QQbSfkCIw?si=E9-qUa0XJECpy6o5
Dementia-friendly neighbourhoods in Singapore
Youtube Video: https://youtube.com/shorts/TuJJzAG_q9w?si=wsoWzzCrgA5x8sd6
The design of dementia-friendly neighbourhoods | By Design
Youtube Video: https://youtu.be/rLjNKP02cCc?si=Z40hLBH7w7v5uPZq
Europe
Creating Dementia-Friendly Spaces | Mary O'Malley | TEDxCoventry
Youtube Video: https://youtu.be/OO6aTxk3Uf4?si=wJJXi7-fGsLhPBOM
Small changes help make a dementia friendly community - Alzheimer's Society
Youtube Video: https://youtu.be/Fz8ACEu7Lho?si=60r2a0AQwt33TgUs