Browse by author
Lookup NU author(s): Dr Andrea Mayrhofer
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (CC BY 4.0).
© 2019 The Authors. International Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd. 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.
Author(s): Buckner S, Darlington N, Woodward M, Buswell M, Mathie E, Arthur A, Lafortune L, Killett A, Mayrhofer A, Thurman J, Goodman C
Publication type: Article
Publication status: Published
Journal: International Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry
Year: 2019
Volume: 34
Issue: 8
Pages: 1235-1243
Print publication date: 01/08/2019
Online publication date: 16/04/2019
Acceptance date: 08/04/2019
Date deposited: 06/04/2021
ISSN (print): 0885-6230
ISSN (electronic): 1099-1166
Publisher: John Wiley and Sons Ltd
URL: https://doi.org/10.1002/gps.5123
DOI: 10.1002/gps.5123
PubMed id: 30993756
Altmetrics provided by Altmetric
