Page 30 - Healthy Brain Initiative, State and Local Public Health Partnerships to Address Dementia: The 2018-2023 Road Map

Outcome: Most people with dementia (especially before the late
SUPPORTIVE COMMUNITIES stages) can remain involved in their communities—
AND WORKPLACES and, with appropriate support, they can have better
outcomes and quality of life at lower costs than if they
P-5 Engage public and private partners in become isolated or institutionalized. Unfortunately,
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ongoing planning efforts to establish many practicing healthcare professionals have
services and policies that promote received limited training on how to interact effectively
supportive communities and workplaces for with people living with Alzheimer’s and other
people with dementia and their caregivers. dementias. The healthcare provider community also
lacks knowledge about what small changes in daily
P-6 Assure public health plans that guide
emergency preparedness and emergency practices a person with dementia can make to help
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response address the special needs of them remain independent and engaged. Public
people with dementia and their caregivers, health can address these challenges by going beyond
support access to critical health information healthcare and direct support systems to mobilize
during crises, and prepare emergency community action at all levels, beginning with insights
professionals for situations involving people from and action by people with dementia and their
with dementia. caregivers.
Specifically, the public health community can:

» Assess community and workplace support needs
of people with dementia and their caregivers;

» Bring together multiple community players—
local businesses, public service providers,
area agencies on aging, community service
organizations, faith-based and other spiritual
groups, and community residents—to create new
partnerships, develop action plans, and build
support systems for people with Alzheimer’s and
other dementias and caregivers;

» Consider currently available tools and resources
such as those developed by dementia-friendly
community efforts; and

24 Healthy Brain Initiative State and Local Public Health Partnerships to Address Dementia: The 2018–2023 Road Map