Accessible transportation systems offer convenience for individuals with dementia and their caregivers. However, individuals with moderate dementia who choose to travel alone via public transportation may still encounter challenges.

Challenges can include disorientation, getting off at the wrong stops, or becoming lost. Using assisted public transportation services or travelling on a fixed route with a caregiver or personal care attendant can help combat these challenges.^[4]

It is important to enhance the inclusivity of public transportation. Inclusive and accessible public transportation enables individuals with dementia to stay connected with their family, friends, and local community, which can reduce their risk of social isolation.

Empowering individuals with dementia to stay engaged with their community also helps maintain their sense of independence. As such, dementia-friendly transportation can contribute to an overall improved quality of life for the individual with dementia as well as their caregivers and support network.

Transportation companies can enhance their quality of service by incorporating thoughtful measures to accommodate individuals with dementia. Here are some suggestions for creating dementia-friendly transportation:

• Provide training^[5]: Establish comprehensive training programs to educate employees about the unique needs of passengers with dementia. This will promote dementia awareness and understanding, and empower staff to offer empathetic and appropriate assistance.
• Implement integrated reminders^[6]: Implement auditory and visual announcements on buses to inform passengers about upcoming stops and travel routes. This can help with navigation and reduce confusion for individuals with dementia.
• Use technology aids^[7]: Invest in technology to make travel planning more accessible and convenient for individuals with dementia, such as live departure boards at bus stops or user-friendly online trip planners and telephone services.
• Issue transport assistance cards^[8]: Supply transport assistance cards to individuals with dementia. These cards allow individuals with dementia to inform drivers and other transport staff if they need extra assistance when traveling.

By adopting these measures, transportation companies can create a more inclusive travel experience for individuals with dementia, supporting their independence and enhancing overall well-being.

• Dementia-Friendly Canada: A dialogue about dementia-friendly public transportation
• Toronto Dementia Network: Transportation services
• brainXchange and Dementia Friendly Canada: A dialogue about dementia-friendly public transportation (access the presentation recording and presentation materials)
• TransLink:  Accessible Transit in Metro Vancouver
• National Aging and Disability Transportation Center: Dementia, Caregiving and Transportation
• National Aging and Disability Transportation Center: Dementia, Caregiving and Transportation Toolkit
• National Aging and Disability Transportation Center: Assisting Passengers with Alzheimer’s and Dementia
• National Aging and Disability Transportation Center: Public Transit and Passengers with Alzheimer’s or Dementia
• Alzheimer’s Society U.K.: Dementia-friendly transport

Accessible transportation systems offer convenience for individuals with dementia and their caregivers. However, individuals with moderate dementia who choose to travel alone via public transportation may still encounter challenges.

Challenges can include disorientation, getting off at the wrong stops, or becoming lost. Using assisted public transportation services or travelling on a fixed route with a caregiver or personal care attendant can help combat these challenges.^[4]

It is important to enhance the inclusivity of public transportation. Inclusive and accessible public transportation enables individuals with dementia to stay connected with their family, friends, and local community, which can reduce their risk of social isolation.

Empowering individuals with dementia to stay engaged with their community also helps maintain their sense of independence. As such, dementia-friendly transportation can contribute to an overall improved quality of life for the individual with dementia as well as their caregivers and support network.

Transportation companies can enhance their quality of service by incorporating thoughtful measures to accommodate individuals with dementia. Here are some suggestions for creating dementia-friendly transportation:

• Provide training^[5]: Establish comprehensive training programs to educate employees about the unique needs of passengers with dementia. This will promote dementia awareness and understanding, and empower staff to offer empathetic and appropriate assistance.
• Implement integrated reminders^[6]: Implement auditory and visual announcements on buses to inform passengers about upcoming stops and travel routes. This can help with navigation and reduce confusion for individuals with dementia.
• Use technology aids^[7]: Invest in technology to make travel planning more accessible and convenient for individuals with dementia, such as live departure boards at bus stops or user-friendly online trip planners and telephone services.
• Issue transport assistance cards^[8]: Supply transport assistance cards to individuals with dementia. These cards allow individuals with dementia to inform drivers and other transport staff if they need extra assistance when traveling.

By adopting these measures, transportation companies can create a more inclusive travel experience for individuals with dementia, supporting their independence and enhancing overall well-being.

• Dementia-Friendly Canada: A dialogue about dementia-friendly public transportation
• Toronto Dementia Network: Transportation services
• brainXchange and Dementia Friendly Canada: A dialogue about dementia-friendly public transportation (access the presentation recording and presentation materials)
• TransLink:  Accessible Transit in Metro Vancouver
• National Aging and Disability Transportation Center: Dementia, Caregiving and Transportation
• National Aging and Disability Transportation Center: Dementia, Caregiving and Transportation Toolkit
• National Aging and Disability Transportation Center: Assisting Passengers with Alzheimer’s and Dementia
• National Aging and Disability Transportation Center: Public Transit and Passengers with Alzheimer’s or Dementia
• Alzheimer’s Society U.K.: Dementia-friendly transport

The International Longevity Centre UK conducted a comprehensive project focused on the challenges faced by individuals with dementia when shopping. The project found that shopping experiences for individuals with dementia are often associated with a range of challenges^[9], including:

• Access and navigation difficulties: Finding desired items can be challenging due to store layouts that are constantly rearranged.
• Stressful shopping environment: The shopping process can be overwhelming and induce anxiety.
• Communication and respect: Misunderstandings and disrespectful encounters can arise from interactions with staff and fellow shoppers.
• Financial concerns: Risks and worries about potential financial exploitation and manipulation by others.

To address these challenges, retailers should create more dementia-friendly shopping environments. Here are some suggestions for creating dementia-friendly retail environments^[10]:

• Raise awareness: Educating employees about dementia is crucial. Helping staff learn about the needs and common behaviours of individuals with dementia (such as repetitive actions, wandering, disorientation, confusion, etc.) enhances understanding and empathy.
• Enhance the physical environment: The store environment plays an important role in the shopping experience for individuals with dementia. Making small adjustments to the store’s layout and environment can significantly reduce stress and confusion. Some initiatives to consider include:
  • Using more prominent and easily readable signage to indicate store sections and critical areas, such as washrooms, customer service stations, and payment counters.
  • Optimizing lighting to improve visibility and minimize shadows and dark areas.
  • Establishing “quiet zones” and providing ample seating to allow individuals to take breaks when necessary.

• Dementia-Friendly Canada: A dialogue about ensuring a dementia-friendly experience in retail and restaurants
• Alzheimer’s Society U.K.: Dementia-friendly retail guide
• Lifted Care: Shoplifting and dementia
• Dementia Care International: Six Communication Hints when your Customer has Dementia
• Health Promotion Administration, Ministry of Health and Welfare, Taiwan: Dementia-friendly organizations – Retail chapter (Chinese)
• Hong Kong Jockey Club Centre for Positive Ageing: Concern for dementia – Supermarket chapter (video in Cantonese with Chinese subtitles)

The International Longevity Centre UK conducted a comprehensive project focused on the challenges faced by individuals with dementia when shopping. The project found that shopping experiences for individuals with dementia are often associated with a range of challenges^[9], including:

• Access and navigation difficulties: Finding desired items can be challenging due to store layouts that are constantly rearranged.
• Stressful shopping environment: The shopping process can be overwhelming and induce anxiety.
• Communication and respect: Misunderstandings and disrespectful encounters can arise from interactions with staff and fellow shoppers.
• Financial concerns: Risks and worries about potential financial exploitation and manipulation by others.

To address these challenges, retailers should create more dementia-friendly shopping environments. Here are some suggestions for creating dementia-friendly retail environments^[10]:

• Raise awareness: Educating employees about dementia is crucial. Helping staff learn about the needs and common behaviours of individuals with dementia (such as repetitive actions, wandering, disorientation, confusion, etc.) enhances understanding and empathy.
• Enhance the physical environment: The store environment plays an important role in the shopping experience for individuals with dementia. Making small adjustments to the store’s layout and environment can significantly reduce stress and confusion. Some initiatives to consider include:
  • Using more prominent and easily readable signage to indicate store sections and critical areas, such as washrooms, customer service stations, and payment counters.
  • Optimizing lighting to improve visibility and minimize shadows and dark areas.
  • Establishing “quiet zones” and providing ample seating to allow individuals to take breaks when necessary.

• Dementia-Friendly Canada: A dialogue about ensuring a dementia-friendly experience in retail and restaurants
• Alzheimer’s Society U.K.: Dementia-friendly retail guide
• Lifted Care: Shoplifting and dementia
• Dementia Care International: Six Communication Hints when your Customer has Dementia
• Health Promotion Administration, Ministry of Health and Welfare, Taiwan: Dementia-friendly organizations – Retail chapter (Chinese)
• Hong Kong Jockey Club Centre for Positive Ageing: Concern for dementia – Supermarket chapter (video in Cantonese with Chinese subtitles)

Individuals with dementia may face a range of challenges with finance management that can significantly impact their financial stability and overall well-being. Such challenges may include:

• Missing bill payments^[11]: Memory lapses and cognitive limitations often lead to difficulties in managing finance, resulting in unpaid bills.
• Making purchase errors^[12]: Cognitive decline can lead to erratic and sometimes excessive spending, which can result in unfamiliar or repeated purchases on credit card statements, or unusual merchandise acquisitions and unexplained withdrawals from bank accounts.
• Experiencing financial abuse: Individuals with dementia are susceptible to financial abuse and fraudulent activities like theft, forgery, coerced changes to wills, unauthorized property sales, and manipulation of legal documents.

To better support the dignity and independence of individuals with dementia, a strategic approach to financial management is essential. Here are some suggestions of dementia-friendly practices for financial services providers^[13]:

• Provide simplified statements and documents^[14]: Provide clear, concise, and easy-to-read account statements and financial documents. Use plain language, avoid professional jargon, and minimize use of complex financial terms.
• Provide accessible customer service: Offer dedicated customer service lines or support personnel trained in dementia awareness. Ensure that customer service representatives are patient, understanding, and skilled in effective communication.
• Offer assistance with bill payments: Offer assistance programs or services to help customers set up automatic bill payments or direct debits to reduce the risk of missed payments.
• Enhance privacy and security measures: Implement privacy and security measures to protect customers’ financial information. Educate customers about common financial scams and how to recognize and avoid them.
• Provide awareness training: Provide employees with dementia awareness training to empower them to identify and assist individuals effectively and respectively. Promote a culture of empathy and understanding among staff.
• Establish feedback mechanisms: Establish feedback mechanisms to gather input from customers with dementia and their caregivers to continually improve services.
• Collaborate with dementia organizations: Establish partnerships with local dementia organizations and leverage their expertise, resources, and support networks.

By implementing these measures, financial services providers can better support individuals with dementia and their families, and help build a dementia-friendly environment that promotes financial well-being and peace of mind.

• Alzheimer’s Society Canada: How to be a Dementia Friend
• Alzeducate: High-quality, best-practice dementia education for all
• Alzheimer’s Society British Columbia: Making your workplace dementia friendly: Information for financial professionals
• Dr. Sabina Brennan: How Can We Include People With Dementia in Our Community?
• Hong Kong Jockey Club Centre for Positive Ageing: Concern for Dementia – Banking chapter (video in Cantonese with Chinese subtitles)
•  

Dining at a restaurant can be challenging for individuals with dementia due to the cognitive and functional impairments associated with dementia. Some challenges include:

• Memory issues: Individuals with dementia often have difficulty remembering the restaurant’s layout, menu items, and orders.
• Communication challenges: Since dementia can affect one’s language skills and ability to express needs and preferences, individuals with dementia may struggle to communicate their food choices or dietary restrictions.
• Sensory overload: Restaurants are often noisy and crowded, which can overwhelm individuals with dementia. Loud noises, bright lights, and overlapping conversations can lead to agitation and confusion.
• Eating pace: Some individuals with dementia may eat slowly, which can impact the dining experience for both the individual and other diners.
• Disorientation: Changes in the dining environment can cause disorientation. Individuals with dementia may have difficulty navigating the restaurant, leading to distress or agitation.
• Difficulty with payment: Managing the bill and handling money can be challenging for individuals with dementia. They may struggle to calculate the tip or pay the bill accurately.

Restaurants can adopt various strategies to enhance their inclusivity for individuals with dementia. Here are some suggestions for creating dementia-friendly restaurants:

• Use clear signage^[15]: Restaurants can enhance inclusivity by installing large and easily readable signs to help individuals navigate the restaurant.
• Use contrasting table settings: Using contrasting placemats or tablecloths can make it easier for individuals to see utensils and dining items.
• Ensure adequate lighting: Adequate lighting is essential to ensure individuals can see their surroundings and menu clearly, reducing confusion.
• Play calming music: Playing relaxing music can help create a soothing atmosphere, reducing agitation and discomfort.
• Provide staff training: Educating staff members about dementia and its challenges is crucial to fostering understanding and providing appropriate support to individuals with dementia.
• Enhance waiting areas^[16]: Enhancing visibility in waiting and seating areas through the use of contrasting wall or floor colouring can help individuals identify these spaces more easily.
• Create clear walking paths: Maintaining unobstructed walking spaces and having simple floor plans with clear routes can prevent fall incidents and improve navigation.

By implementing these strategies, restaurants can create a more dementia-friendly environment that enhances the dining experience for individuals with dementia and their caregivers.

• Dementia-Friendly Canada: A dialogue about ensuring a dementia-friendly experience in retail and restaurants
• Alzheimer Society of Canada: What is a dementia-friendly community? (video)
• Alzheimer’s Association: Making Your Restaurant Dementia Friendly
• Memory Cafe Directory: Find a Memory Cafe
• Wisconsin Department of Health Sciences: Dementia-Friendly Restaurants
• AgeGuide: Dementia Friendly Training: Restaurants (video)
• Hong Kong Jockey Club Centre for Positive Ageing: Concern for dementia – Restaurants chapter (video in Cantonese with Chinese subtitles)
•  

Individuals with dementia face several housing-related challenges due to cognitive and functional impairments. Some of these challenges include:

• Safety concerns: Individuals with dementia may be prone to wandering and getting lost, which can lead to dangerous situations. Ensuring a secure living environment is crucial.
• Memory and orientation: Individuals with dementia may struggle to remember their current address or recognize their own home. This can cause confusion and distress, especially if they believe they are in the wrong place.
• Home maintenance: Dementia can affect a person’s ability to perform routine household tasks such as cooking, cleaning, and doing laundry. They may require additional support or supervision to manage household chores and maintain a safe and hygienic living environment.
• Legal and housing rights: Individuals with dementia may not be aware of their legal rights to housing, such as protections against eviction.

To address these challenges, it is essential to create safe, supportive, and dementia-friendly housing environments.

Creating a dementia-friendly housing environment is crucial to enhancing the well-being and comfort of individuals with dementia. Here are some suggestions for housing management^[17]:

• Provide a quiet space: Provide a designated quiet space away from background noise, allowing for easier conversations and reducing sensory overload.
• Declutter spaces: Avoid excessive clutter to reduce the risk of falls and minimize visual distractions that can lead to confusion.
• Ensure adequate lighting: Proper lighting is essential to reduce risk of falls and prevent the environment from becoming disorienting or intimidating.
• Use clear signage: Use large and clear signage for washrooms, bedrooms, and other important areas to help navigation and reduce confusion.
• Use large clocks^[18]：Place large clocks in different areas of the building to help individuals keep track of time and maintain a sense of orientation.
• Provide staff education: Train and educate staff members to interact effectively and empathetically with individuals living with dementia to enhance the overall quality of care.

By implementing these dementia-friendly tips, housing management can create a supportive and comfortable living environment that respects the unique needs of individuals with dementia, supporting their well-being and quality of life.

• Alzheimer Society British Columbia: Making your workplace dementia friendly – Information for housing professionals
• Alzheimer Society Manitoba: The Housing Provider Guide to Dementia
• Alzheimer’s Society UK: Dementia-friendly housing guide
• Hong Kong Jockey Club Centre for Positive Ageing: Concern for dementia – Caretaker chapter (video in Cantonese with Chinese subtitles)
• The Hong Kong Council of Social Service: [HKCSS Channel] Building dementia-friendly housing estates (video in Cantonese with Chinese subtitles)

Individuals with dementia face several housing-related challenges due to cognitive and functional impairments. Some of these challenges include:

• Safety concerns: Individuals with dementia may be prone to wandering and getting lost, which can lead to dangerous situations. Ensuring a secure living environment is crucial.
• Memory and orientation: Individuals with dementia may struggle to remember their current address or recognize their own home. This can cause confusion and distress, especially if they believe they are in the wrong place.
• Home maintenance: Dementia can affect a person’s ability to perform routine household tasks such as cooking, cleaning, and doing laundry. They may require additional support or supervision to manage household chores and maintain a safe and hygienic living environment.
• Legal and housing rights: Individuals with dementia may not be aware of their legal rights to housing, such as protections against eviction.

To address these challenges, it is essential to create safe, supportive, and dementia-friendly housing environments.

Creating a dementia-friendly housing environment is crucial to enhancing the well-being and comfort of individuals with dementia. Here are some suggestions for housing management^[17]:

• Provide a quiet space: Provide a designated quiet space away from background noise, allowing for easier conversations and reducing sensory overload.
• Declutter spaces: Avoid excessive clutter to reduce the risk of falls and minimize visual distractions that can lead to confusion.
• Ensure adequate lighting: Proper lighting is essential to reduce risk of falls and prevent the environment from becoming disorienting or intimidating.
• Use clear signage: Use large and clear signage for washrooms, bedrooms, and other important areas to help navigation and reduce confusion.
• Use large clocks^[18]：Place large clocks in different areas of the building to help individuals keep track of time and maintain a sense of orientation.
• Provide staff education: Train and educate staff members to interact effectively and empathetically with individuals living with dementia to enhance the overall quality of care.

By implementing these dementia-friendly tips, housing management can create a supportive and comfortable living environment that respects the unique needs of individuals with dementia, supporting their well-being and quality of life.

• Alzheimer Society British Columbia: Making your workplace dementia friendly – Information for housing professionals
• Alzheimer Society Manitoba: The Housing Provider Guide to Dementia
• Alzheimer’s Society UK: Dementia-friendly housing guide
• Hong Kong Jockey Club Centre for Positive Ageing: Concern for dementia – Caretaker chapter (video in Cantonese with Chinese subtitles)
• The Hong Kong Council of Social Service: [HKCSS Channel] Building dementia-friendly housing estates (video in Cantonese with Chinese subtitles)

Addressing the challenges individuals with dementia face in recreational settings is vital for ensuring their safety and enjoyment. Several key obstacles can hinder their engagement in activities, including:

• Sensory overload: Loud noises, bright lights, and crowded spaces in recreation spaces can overwhelm individuals with dementia, causing agitation or discomfort.
• Fear of judgment^[19]: People with dementia may feel anxious and worry about being judged by peers or organizers when they encounter complex decision-making related to activities. This includes concerns about whether they are performing activities correctly or incorrectly, which can discourage their participation.
• Lack of continuity and cohesiveness: A significant challenge arises when there is a lack of alignment between transportation, activities, and support services. Inconsistencies in scheduling and coordination can disrupt the experience.
• Timing of activities: Ensuring that activity timing accommodates the unique needs of individuals with dementia is essential. For example, try not to organize activities in the early morning or late afternoon, as most individuals with dementia are not at their best during these times[20].

Creating dementia-friendly recreation environments is essential to ensuring that individuals with dementia can participate fully and enjoy meaningful experiences. Here are some tips and suggestions for enhancing inclusivity and comfort in recreational programs and spaces^[21]:

• Cater to adult interests: Respect individuals with dementia as adults, not children, by offering activities that cater to their interests and capabilities.
• Encourage inclusivity: Ensure that recreational programs are inclusive and welcoming, and embrace the diverse needs and abilities of participants with dementia.
• Provide encouragement: Offering high levels of encouragement to individuals with dementia can boost their confidence and motivation to participate in activities.
• Offer non-competitive and slower-paced activities: Organizing activities that are non-competitive and slower-paced, like Lawn Bowling, can reduce stress and promote higher engagement and participation.
• Cultivate a mindful environment: Pay attention to the auditory and visual environment, and consider the preferences of individuals for a silent atmosphere or light background music.
• Respect limits: Allow participants to set their own limits and pace, and respect their comfort levels.
• Invitations and reminders: Sending out invitations and reminder cards can make individuals feel welcome and comfortable about attending recreational programs.
• Assign designated quiet spaces: Creating designated quiet spaces away from background noise can facilitate meaningful conversations.
• Minimize clutter: Avoid cluttered spaces, as excessive visual stimulation can lead to confusion and difficulties in concentration for individuals with dementia, as well as an increased risk of falls.
• Ensure adequate lighting: Providing proper lighting is essential to prevent confusion and fear in the environment.
• Use clear signage: Consider using large and clear signage for essential areas like washrooms, changing rooms, and drinking fountains.
• Display large clocks: Displaying large clocks can help individuals with dementia see the time clearly, maintain a sense of orientation, and reduce their anxiety.
• Provide mixed-gender/family washrooms: Adding mixed-gender or family washrooms can accommodate individuals with dementia who may need assistance from caregivers or family members.

By implementing these tips and suggestions, we can enable individuals with dementia to engage more fully in recreational programs, contributing to their overall well-being and quality of life.

• Dementia-Friendly Canada: A dialogue about ensuring a dementia-friendly experience in recreation and libraries
• Alzheimer Society British Columbia: Making your workplace dementia friendly – Information for housing professionals
• Alzheimer Society Southwest Partners: Social Recreation for the Person Living with Dementia

¹ Alzheimer Society of Ontario. (2023). Dementia Friendly Communities Ontario. https://alzheimer.ca/on/en/take-action/become-dementia-friendly/dementia-friendly-communities-ontario

² Alzheimer Society of Canada (n.d.) Helping a Person Get Around Safely with Dementia – Including Driving, Walking and More.

³ National Aging and Disability Transportation Centre (n.d.) Dementia Awareness in Public Transit.

⁴ National Aging and Disability Transportation Center. (2021).Accessible Transportation for People Living with Dementia. https://www.nadtc.org/news/blog/accessible-transportation-for-people-living-with-dementia/

⁵ National Aging and Disability Transportation Center. (n.d.). Dementia, Caregiving and Transportation. [English]  https://www.nadtc.org/wp-content/uploads/Dementia_Caregiving_and_Transportation.pdf

⁶ Donnagardiner. (2017, October 11). “A new journey”: Creating a dementia-friendly public transport system. The Knowledge Exchange Blog. https://theknowledgeexchangeblog.com/2017/10/11/a-new-journey-creating-a-dementia-friendly-public-transport-system/

⁷ Alzheimer Scotland. (n.d.). Traveling Safely with Dementia. https://www.alzscot.org/sites/default/files/2019-07/Travelling-with-dementia-V4-07.09.16.pdf

⁸  International Longevity Centre UK (October 27, 2022) Retail Therapy – Dementia and Spending. https://ilcuk.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/ILC-Retail-Therapy-Helping-people-with-dementia-enjoy-spending.pdf

⁹ Alzheimer’s Society (2018). Dementia-friendly retail guide A practical guide for shops and retailers to support people affected by dementia. https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/sites/default/files/2019-07/AS_NEW_DF_Retail_Guide_Online_09_07_19.pdf

¹⁰ U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (n.d.). Dementia may cause problems with money management years before diagnosis. National Institute on Aging. https://www.nia.nih.gov/news/dementia-may-cause-problems-money-management-years-before-diagnosis#:~:text=Common%20symptoms%20of%20dementia%2C%20including,early%20sign%20of%20the%20disease

¹¹ Managing the financial risks of dementia and cognitive decline. RBC Wealth Management. (n.d.). https://www.rbcwealthmanagement.com/en-us/insights/the-financial-impact-of-dementia

¹² Alzheimer’s Society. (2015). Making your workplace dementia friendly Information for financial professionals.
https://archive.alzheimer.ca/sites/default/files/files/bc/advocacy-and-education/dfc/guide%20for%20financial%20professionals.pdf

¹³ Download dementia-friendly resources. Download dementia-friendly resources | Alzheimer’s Society. (n.d.). https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/form/dementia-friendly-resources

¹⁴ Clinical practice development eating/feeding issues in dementia … (n.d.). https://www.stchristophers.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/practice-development-1.EoLJ_.Vol4_.No1_.Dementia.pdf

¹⁵ Making your restaurant dementia friendly – dfmassachusetts.org. (n.d.). https://dfmassachusetts.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2019/06/Dementia-Friendly-Restaurant-Checklist.pdf

¹⁶ Alzheimer’s Society. (2020). Dementia-friendly housing guide. https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/sites/default/files/2020-06/Dementia%20Friendly%20Housing_Guide.pdf

¹⁷ Alzheimer Society British Columbia (2015). Making your workplace dementia friendly – Information for housing professionals. https://archive.alzheimer.ca/sites/default/files/files/bc/advocacy-and-education/dfc/guide%20for%20housing%20professionals.pdf

¹⁸ Alzheimer Society Southwest Partners. (2023).Social Recreation for the person living with dementia. https://alzswp.ca/social-recreation-for-the-person-living-with-dementia/

¹⁹ Alzheimer Society of Canada. (2015). Meaningful Engagement of People with Dementia: A Resource Guide. https://alzheimer.ca/sites/default/files/documents/meaningful-engagement-of-people-with-dementia.pdf

²⁰ Alzheimer Society. (2019). Dementia-friendly sport and physical activity guide. https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/sites/default/files/2019-02/19003-Sports_Leisure_guide_online.pdf

Addressing the challenges individuals with dementia face in recreational settings is vital for ensuring their safety and enjoyment. Several key obstacles can hinder their engagement in activities, including:

• Sensory overload: Loud noises, bright lights, and crowded spaces in recreation spaces can overwhelm individuals with dementia, causing agitation or discomfort.
• Fear of judgment^[19]: People with dementia may feel anxious and worry about being judged by peers or organizers when they encounter complex decision-making related to activities. This includes concerns about whether they are performing activities correctly or incorrectly, which can discourage their participation.
• Lack of continuity and cohesiveness: A significant challenge arises when there is a lack of alignment between transportation, activities, and support services. Inconsistencies in scheduling and coordination can disrupt the experience.
• Timing of activities: Ensuring that activity timing accommodates the unique needs of individuals with dementia is essential. For example, try not to organize activities in the early morning or late afternoon, as most individuals with dementia are not at their best during these times[20].

Creating dementia-friendly recreation environments is essential to ensuring that individuals with dementia can participate fully and enjoy meaningful experiences. Here are some tips and suggestions for enhancing inclusivity and comfort in recreational programs and spaces^[21]:

• Cater to adult interests: Respect individuals with dementia as adults, not children, by offering activities that cater to their interests and capabilities.
• Encourage inclusivity: Ensure that recreational programs are inclusive and welcoming, and embrace the diverse needs and abilities of participants with dementia.
• Provide encouragement: Offering high levels of encouragement to individuals with dementia can boost their confidence and motivation to participate in activities.
• Offer non-competitive and slower-paced activities: Organizing activities that are non-competitive and slower-paced, like Lawn Bowling, can reduce stress and promote higher engagement and participation.
• Cultivate a mindful environment: Pay attention to the auditory and visual environment, and consider the preferences of individuals for a silent atmosphere or light background music.
• Respect limits: Allow participants to set their own limits and pace, and respect their comfort levels.
• Invitations and reminders: Sending out invitations and reminder cards can make individuals feel welcome and comfortable about attending recreational programs.
• Assign designated quiet spaces: Creating designated quiet spaces away from background noise can facilitate meaningful conversations.
• Minimize clutter: Avoid cluttered spaces, as excessive visual stimulation can lead to confusion and difficulties in concentration for individuals with dementia, as well as an increased risk of falls.
• Ensure adequate lighting: Providing proper lighting is essential to prevent confusion and fear in the environment.
• Use clear signage: Consider using large and clear signage for essential areas like washrooms, changing rooms, and drinking fountains.
• Display large clocks: Displaying large clocks can help individuals with dementia see the time clearly, maintain a sense of orientation, and reduce their anxiety.
• Provide mixed-gender/family washrooms: Adding mixed-gender or family washrooms can accommodate individuals with dementia who may need assistance from caregivers or family members.

By implementing these tips and suggestions, we can enable individuals with dementia to engage more fully in recreational programs, contributing to their overall well-being and quality of life.

• Dementia-Friendly Canada: A dialogue about ensuring a dementia-friendly experience in recreation and libraries
• Alzheimer Society British Columbia: Making your workplace dementia friendly – Information for housing professionals
• Alzheimer Society Southwest Partners: Social Recreation for the Person Living with Dementia

¹ Alzheimer Society of Ontario. (2023). Dementia Friendly Communities Ontario. https://alzheimer.ca/on/en/take-action/become-dementia-friendly/dementia-friendly-communities-ontario

² Alzheimer Society of Canada (n.d.) Helping a Person Get Around Safely with Dementia – Including Driving, Walking and More.

³ National Aging and Disability Transportation Centre (n.d.) Dementia Awareness in Public Transit.

⁴ National Aging and Disability Transportation Center. (2021).Accessible Transportation for People Living with Dementia. https://www.nadtc.org/news/blog/accessible-transportation-for-people-living-with-dementia/

⁵ National Aging and Disability Transportation Center. (n.d.). Dementia, Caregiving and Transportation. [English]  https://www.nadtc.org/wp-content/uploads/Dementia_Caregiving_and_Transportation.pdf

⁶ Donnagardiner. (2017, October 11). “A new journey”: Creating a dementia-friendly public transport system. The Knowledge Exchange Blog. https://theknowledgeexchangeblog.com/2017/10/11/a-new-journey-creating-a-dementia-friendly-public-transport-system/

⁷ Alzheimer Scotland. (n.d.). Traveling Safely with Dementia. https://www.alzscot.org/sites/default/files/2019-07/Travelling-with-dementia-V4-07.09.16.pdf

⁸  International Longevity Centre UK (October 27, 2022) Retail Therapy – Dementia and Spending. https://ilcuk.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/ILC-Retail-Therapy-Helping-people-with-dementia-enjoy-spending.pdf

⁹ Alzheimer’s Society (2018). Dementia-friendly retail guide A practical guide for shops and retailers to support people affected by dementia. https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/sites/default/files/2019-07/AS_NEW_DF_Retail_Guide_Online_09_07_19.pdf

¹⁰ U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (n.d.). Dementia may cause problems with money management years before diagnosis. National Institute on Aging. https://www.nia.nih.gov/news/dementia-may-cause-problems-money-management-years-before-diagnosis#:~:text=Common%20symptoms%20of%20dementia%2C%20including,early%20sign%20of%20the%20disease

¹¹ Managing the financial risks of dementia and cognitive decline. RBC Wealth Management. (n.d.). https://www.rbcwealthmanagement.com/en-us/insights/the-financial-impact-of-dementia

¹² Alzheimer’s Society. (2015). Making your workplace dementia friendly Information for financial professionals.
https://archive.alzheimer.ca/sites/default/files/files/bc/advocacy-and-education/dfc/guide%20for%20financial%20professionals.pdf

¹³ Download dementia-friendly resources. Download dementia-friendly resources | Alzheimer’s Society. (n.d.). https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/form/dementia-friendly-resources

¹⁴ Clinical practice development eating/feeding issues in dementia … (n.d.). https://www.stchristophers.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/practice-development-1.EoLJ_.Vol4_.No1_.Dementia.pdf

¹⁵ Making your restaurant dementia friendly – dfmassachusetts.org. (n.d.). https://dfmassachusetts.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2019/06/Dementia-Friendly-Restaurant-Checklist.pdf

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¹⁸ Alzheimer Society Southwest Partners. (2023).Social Recreation for the person living with dementia. https://alzswp.ca/social-recreation-for-the-person-living-with-dementia/

¹⁹ Alzheimer Society of Canada. (2015). Meaningful Engagement of People with Dementia: A Resource Guide. https://alzheimer.ca/sites/default/files/documents/meaningful-engagement-of-people-with-dementia.pdf

²⁰ Alzheimer Society. (2019). Dementia-friendly sport and physical activity guide. https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/sites/default/files/2019-02/19003-Sports_Leisure_guide_online.pdf