Dementia friendly communities in England: A scoping study

Buckner, Stefanie, Darlington, Nicole, Woodward, Michael, Buswell, Marina, Mathie, Elspeth, Arthur, Antony, Lafortune, Louise, Killett, Anne ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4080-8365, Mayrhofer, Andrea, Thurman, John and Goodman, Claire (2019) Dementia friendly communities in England: A scoping study. International Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry, 34 (8). pp. 1235-1243. ISSN 0885-6230

Preview	PDF (Accepted_Manuscript) - Accepted Version Download (665kB) | Preview
Preview	PDF (Published_Version) - Published Version Available under License Creative Commons Attribution. Download (796kB) | Preview

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 sub-sample (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.

Item Type:	Article
Additional Information:	This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
Faculty \ School:	Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences > School of Health Sciences Faculty of Science Faculty of Social Sciences > School of Education and Lifelong Learning
UEA Research Groups:	Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences > Research Groups > Dementia & Complexity in Later Life Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences > Research Groups > Health in Later Life (former - to 2017) Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences > Research Centres > Lifespan Health
Depositing User:	LivePure Connector
Date Deposited:	01 May 2019 12:30
Last Modified:	19 Oct 2023 02:26
URI:	https://ueaeprints.uea.ac.uk/id/eprint/70776
DOI:	10.1002/gps.5123

Downloads

Actions (login required)

View Item