Advancing Dementia-Friendly Communities Through Dialogical Community Development

A dementia-friendly community (DFC) is a place where people living with dementia (PLWD) and family carers' rights are supported and communities value their input. Many developed countries have social policies to address the discrimination and stigma faced by PLWD and to support their interest in continuing to live in their homes and communities. This exploratory, micro-ethnographic case study research examined micro-processes in two committees established to build DFCs in Australia. Data were derived from participant observation, field notes, and 16 interviews with DFC committee members. Findings highlight two key learnings. First, active engagement requires meeting the rights of PLWD to have a voice, be heard, and hold power in committees. Second, recognizing how positioning PLWD as consumers or leaders affects participation and inclusion. From our analyses and insights gained, we propose how a dialogical community development approach could improve local initiatives through interpersonal relationships and actions as well as explicit reflection and discussion of how professionals can facilitate or constrain inclusive and participatory practices among PLWD.