During the first week-end of February, in Milan, Federazione Alzheimer Italia brought together the 18 Italian Dementia Friendly Communities: two days full of interesting ideas to bring together and highlight the collective work done so far, allowing for an exchange of information and strategies.
Almost exactly three years after the launch of the Abbiategrasso pilot project, which started in February 2016, the network has expanded to include 18 communities throughout Italy. The network is strengthened by the sharing of a common idea, an internationally recognisable logo and a great number of initiatives for people with dementia.
The two days were used to discuss, in the light of the international scene, the results achieved, but above all to explore the limits and how to overcome them, starting from a fundamental feature of the Dementia Friendly Communities: measurement through an annual self-assessment questionnaire. A day of training has allowed the participants to investigate issues related to communication, design of the interventions, measurement of the effectiveness and satisfaction of the initiatives but also, and above all, an enriching moment for comparison, exchange of views, experiences, stories and emotions.
What emerged shows that the Dementia Friendly Communities can only be successful if: They always listen to the needs of people with dementia, ensuring the people themselves are the leading figures in the planning of activities; if they involve younger generations; and if they increase awareness about dementia among the wider population.
Many shared projects have been explored so far: From training; to local police; to the creation of preferential lanes in supermarkets; to the environmental adaptation of libraries; to the involvement of schools. These are the tangible results of these communities, thanks to which it is possible to make a difference in the lives of people with dementia.
