Learn more about dementia-friendly communities
Learn more about the work we do to reduce social and physical barriers for people affected by dementia in the community.
Dementia-friendly communities
The Dementia‑Friendly Communities (DFC) initiative at the Alzheimer Society of BC and Yukon works with municipalities, businesses, organizations and community groups to create welcoming, supportive environments where people living with dementia can stay engaged in community life in the ways that matter most to them. We begin with dementia awareness, education and stigma‑reduction strategies that help strengthen social inclusion in workplaces and community settings. Our dementia-friendly principles build on age‑friendly design and universal accessibility guidelines to shape physical environments that are easier to navigate for everyone - including newcomers, families and people of all ages and abilities. No matter what type of business or organization you’re part of, the DFC initiative can offer staff education options, free educational resources and collaborative partnerships to help you create more inclusive spaces for people living with dementia.
People with lived experience are at the forefront of everything we do
The DFC initiative places the voices of people with lived experience at the centre of everything we do, ensuring our work is shaped by the needs, perspectives and insights of those most affected by dementia. Meaningful engagement not only strengthens the relevance of our work but is also a powerful way to change perspectives and reduce stigma. People with lived experience participate as DFC Ambassadors, advising on strategy and outreach, identifying gaps in community dementia initiatives across the province and territory, co-presenting at staff training sessions, consulting on the physical environment, reviewing external resources and informing our evaluation strategies. Their leadership and expertise guide the initiative and help ensure we are modelling ways that other communities can truly support and include people living with dementia.
News
- Alzheimer Society asks council to declare Nelson a dementia-friendly community I March 29, 2026
- Dementia-friendly cities I Spring, 2026 issue of Sage
- Vernon is rewriting the map for older adults and dementia caregivers I 2024
Contact us
Contact the Dementia-friendly communities team by emailing dementiafriendlybc@alzheimerbc.org.