Creating Dementia-Friendly Committees

Long-term care homes and community organizations have a wonderful opportunity to foster collaboration, purpose, and inclusion by creating dementia-friendly committees. This initiative not only enhances the lives of residents with dementia but also builds stronger bonds among staff and non-dementia residents. Here’s how you can create a committee that welcomes and incorporates everyone meaningfully.

Step 1: Establish the Purpose of the Committee

Define the committee’s mission and goals. These could include:

• Planning engaging activities for residents.
• Creating a more inclusive environment.
• Encouraging collaboration between staff, residents, and those with dementia.

Start small, with achievable objectives, such as organizing monthly themed events or enhancing communal spaces to make them dementia-friendly.

Step 2: Assemble a Diverse Team

Your committee should represent a variety of voices:

• Staff Members: Include caregivers, activity coordinators, and support staff who interact with residents daily.
• Residents Without Dementia: Invite residents who are interested in contributing to the home’s community. Their unique insights and ideas will enrich the committee.
• Residents with Dementia: Ensure that residents with dementia are invited to participate at a level that suits their abilities and interests.

Step 3: Engage Residents with Dementia

Incorporating residents with dementia into the committee requires thoughtful planning:

1. Provide Choices:

• Offer simple ways for them to participate, such as choosing a decoration for an event, suggesting a song for a playlist, or folding programs for meetings.

2. Use Visual Supports:

• Present ideas visually, like showing photos of activity options or using color-coded calendars for planning.

3. Assign Meaningful Roles:

• Give dementia residents tasks they can manage and enjoy, such as welcoming others to a meeting, helping set up small items, or providing input based on their preferences and life experiences.

4. Keep Meetings Short and Simple:

• Plan shorter meetings (20–30 minutes) to maintain their focus.
• Use a structured format with clear agendas and visual cues to guide discussions.

Step 4: How Creating Dementia-Friendly Committees Foster an Inclusive Environment

• Promote Patience: Encourage all committee members to be patient and respectful, creating an atmosphere of acceptance.
• Celebrate Contributions: Acknowledge and celebrate the input of every member, whether it’s a big idea or a small gesture.
• Encourage Teamwork: Pair residents with dementia with staff or other residents for support and collaboration.

Step 5: Plan Dementia-Friendly Activities

Focus on activities that are enjoyable for everyone and inclusive of those with dementia:

• Seasonal Events: Host seasonal gatherings, like a winter tea party or spring planting day.
• Music and Memory: Incorporate familiar songs into events to evoke positive emotions and participation.
• Art and Craft Projects: Choose simple, collaborative projects, such as decorating a shared space or making holiday cards.

Step 6: Evaluate and Adapt

Regularly review the committee’s progress and make adjustments to ensure everyone feels involved and valued. Ask:

• Are residents with dementia enjoying their participation?
• Are there additional ways to simplify or enhance the committee’s activities?

The Benefits of Dementia-Friendly Committees

• For Residents with Dementia: It provides purpose, connection, and the opportunity to contribute to their community.
• For Residents Without Dementia: It fosters empathy, collaboration, and a sense of belonging.
• For Staff: It creates a more engaged, cohesive team and helps caregivers connect with residents in new ways.