How can people with dementia and their caregivers be supported by the built environment?

How can people with dementia and their caregivers be supported by the built environment?

This project determined how the built environment impacts the lives of people with dementia, which is an understudied component of care models.  The project aimed to understand how the urban environment impacts the lives of people with dementia and their caregivers; and co-create and implement strategies to improve built environment design practices and enhance quality of life for people with dementia.  Mixed methods research involving interviews, physical environmental evaluations, and one workshop, were held to inform an implementation plan for service providers to enhance quality of life among people with dementia through environmental design practices.  Key outcomes included formally establishing the Canterbury-Bankstown Dementia Alliance and delivering 18 community-based presentations and events to raise awareness about dementia in five languages.