More Resources for Older Adults, Families & Caregivers

Dementia-Friendly Resources

From Dementia Friendly America

Dementia Friendly America (DFA) envisions an America where individuals living with dementia and their care partners can live, engage and thrive in community no matter where they live. DFA is a national network of communities, organizations and individuals seeking to ensure that communities across the U.S. are equipped to support people living with dementia and their care partners. The DFA movement began in September 2015 following the White House Conference on Aging when USAging became the administrator, spearheading the effort. The Dementia Friendly America model is based upon Minnesota’s successful statewide initiative, ACT on Alzheimer’s. DFA launched with six pilot communities and has expanded to a network that spans 43 states!

DFA’s mission is to increase dementia awareness, reduce stigma, and provide quality dementia-friendly resources, education and support that fosters the creation of communities where people living with dementia and their care partners can live, engage and thrive in community with others.

Visit Dementia Friendly America Website

From Live Well San Diego

Dementia-Friendly Activities Toolkit

Families and caregivers play a critical role in helping people with dementia to stay engaged. This toolkit includes activities and resources that support the needs of people living with dementia and make it easier for them to remain engaged in pleasurable and interesting activities. When using this toolkit, remember to be flexible with the activities and adjust as needed. Track what works and doesn’t work to improve your next activity. Use and share this toolkit in your community:

Sector-Specific Brochures on Dementia-Friendly Tips and Elder Abuse Prevention

Every part of the community has a unique role in supporting those living with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias. The resources listed below are designed to support sectors in their work towards becoming more dementia-friendly. In a “dementia-friendly” community, people with dementia live as independently as possible and continue to experience a sense of inclusion and dignity.

Dementia Communication Card

Dementia can affect a person’s ability to communicate with others. This can become increasingly challenging and frustrating for the person living with dementia and their caregivers. The Dementia Communication Card is designed to help caregivers facilitate positive and compassionate interactions between the person with dementia and members of the community. For example, during a dental visit a caregiver may wish to hand the card to the dental hygienist. Or, during a trip to a restaurant, the caregiver could hand the card to the server.

The Dementia Communication Card is available in the following languages.

From the San Diego Alzheimer's Project

The County of San Diego Health and Human Services Agency (HHSA), Aging & Independence Services (AIS), and Outreach & Education staff in partnership with community partners, lead the charge to educate the public and provide comprehensive information about Alzheimer's disease and related dementias (ADRD) to the community. The purpose of this group is to inform San Diegans of dementia and its impact and to raise awareness of community resources that can help. Countywide efforts include face-to-face presentations at numerous community venues; TV, print and social media campaigns; electronic announcements and newsletters; and the development and distribution of various online resources. Topics include the warning signs of dementia, early diagnosis of ADRD, specific supports for caregivers, and strategies for working with people living with dementia.