TABLE 5.

Practical tips–dementia friendly organizations and communities

What is the definition of the intervention?	A dementia‐friendly community is where persons living with dementia, their caregivers, friends, and families are welcomed, acknowledged and included, and where those who work alongside and support them have access to practical education and training.
Where would you get evidence‐based information on this recommendation?	Alzheimer Societies have education, awareness programs and support services (https://alzheimer.ca)
	Information on dementia friendly communities can be found at the Alzheimer Disease International (https://www.alz.co.uk/dementia-friendly-communities)
	Information on how to make your organization more dementia‐friendly can be found here: https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/get-involved/dementia-friendly-communities/make-your-organisation-more-dementia-friendly
How would you implement this recommendation in your practice or daily life?	Know and understand dementia (both medical and quality‐of‐life aspects) for the benefit of your patients, and appreciate the impact of stigma of dementia on the patient and caregiver (https://alzheimer.ca/en/Home/About-dementia/What-is-dementia/Stigma).
	Inform and inspire—there is life after a diagnosis of dementia and “dementia doesn't make you stupid” (View Person‐Centered Matters: https://daanow.org/an-extraordinary-video-about-dementia/).
	Encourage your persons living with dementia and caregivers to live life to the fullest. Maybe they would like to volunteer? Assist them in seeking a purpose—a reason to get out of bed in the morning.
	Be empathetic. A diagnosis for many will be a surprise, like a punch in the stomach. Time will be needed to help them adjust to the "journey" of dementia.
	Introduce them to the Alzheimer Society's First Link program.
	Be aware of local and provincial support services available for persons living with dementia and caregivers.
	Acquaint patients with the Canadian Charter of Rights for People with Dementia (https://alzheimer.ca/en/Home/Get-involved/The-Charter) and the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.
	Engaging persons living with dementia in planning and implementing these initiatives is key.
	Involving the local Alzheimer Society is important.
	Identify resources that can assist in planning for a DFC/org. Here's an example of a toolkit: https://alzheimer.ca/sites/default/files/files/bc/advocacy-and-education/dfc/dfc_toolkit_v.jan2016.pdf
	Other resources: https://www.alz.co.uk/dementia-friendly-communities/principles
	https://www.dementia.org.au/files/NATIONAL/documents/Dementia-friendly-communities-toolkit-for-local-government.pdf