Dementia-Friendly Initiatives for Individuals Living with Dementia, Care Partners, and Communities

Many existing affordable programs for individuals living with dementia are under-used. This article outlines the history of Dementia-Friendly America and efforts in states to address the needs of individuals living with dementia and their care partners within an Age-Friendly framework. It reviews existing state programs that focus on gaps in services for these sub-populations, the need to communicate about available, affordable programs and services, and public health initiatives to fund community-based supports for people living with dementia and their care partners. It addresses inclusivity, anti-ageism, and equity, as well as how to address quality outcomes in each of those areas.