Dementia Supportive Communities are strongest when they are shaped with people living with dementia, not just for them. People with lived experience bring unique insight into what feels welcoming, what creates barriers, and what truly makes a difference in daily life.
The principle often summarized as “nothing about us without us” reminds us that inclusion is not only a matter of respect, but also of effectiveness.
When people living with dementia are meaningfully involved in design, implementation, and evaluation:
- Supports are more relevant and practical
- Stigma is reduced through real relationships and shared understanding
- Communities become more connected, responsive, and resilient
Meaningful engagement is not about expecting people living with dementia to speak for everyone or to educate others. It is about creating opportunities to listen, learn, and adapt, and recognizing people living with dementia as partners in building better communities.
How this looks in practice will vary depending on your role and context. What matters most is intention, flexibility, and a willingness to learn.
Select your role(s) in the community to learn more about how you can meaningfully engage people living with dementia to become more dementia supportive.
For more detailed information, see Alzheimer Society’s Meaningful Engagement of People with Dementia Resource Guide
Meaningful engagement doesn’t end once a program or change is in place. Ongoing listening helps you understand:
- What is working well
- What could be improved
- How needs and experiences may change over time
By inviting input, feedback and staying open to learning, you help ensure that dementia supportive efforts continue to grow, adapt, and remain relevant.
Amplifying impact means not only sharing the message, but sharing power, listening deeply, and moving forward together.