Some communities follow the step-by-step toolkit approach and use most of the resources. Other DFA communities pick and choose resources that best fit their needs. The time commitment for undertaking the effort will vary based on the approach your community takes and the resources available to support the effort. Listed below is a simplified version derived from the tool kit shared by Dementia Friendly America.
Guide for Building a Dementia-Friendly Community
Phase 1: Convene
● Demonstrate the need for action in your community
● Identify key leaders to Champion the initiative
● Expand your Action Team; include people living with dementia
Phase 2: Engage
● Determine community gaps and strengths by engaging in outreach with
⚬ People living with dementia
⚬ Family and care partners
⚬ Stakeholders
⚬ Community Sectors
● Generate awareness
⚬ Social media
⚬ Community kick-off event
⚬ Local media outlets
⚬ Newsletter
Phase 3: Analyze
● Prioritize actions/objectives. Pick one or two realistic goals
● Draft a vision statement with consensus from the Action Team
● Create a work plan
Phase 4: Act
● Implement the action plan with clear expectation among Action Team
● Evaluate
● Share results with the community
● Keep going