INFORM / DEMENTIA - FRIENDLY CITY
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The Making of a DementiaFriendly City A new report by the Joseph Rowntree Foundation (JRF) has challenged York to become a truly dementia-friendly city and help sufferers navigate the increasingly complex maze of life. With an estimated 2,000 people in York currently living with dementia, we take a look at what more can be done to help our fellow residents.
The pioneering Dementia Without Walls project highlights a string of possible interventions in our cityscape and improvements to taken-forgranted services that will support those living with dementia to do so comfortably and independently, whilst continuing to contribute to the citizenry of our city. Almost all aspects of our everyday lives are touched upon around the four themes of place, people, resources and networks, including recommendations to existing _IaÅVLQVO MUJMLLQVO I K]T\]ZM of understanding and empathy in the local business community, and improved professional and peer support.
better use of our green spaces with dedicated walkways, using technology to provide visual prompts, conceiving more supportive neighbourhoods and retail environments, and the adoption of many of the principles associated with the slow movement. Ultimately it is about an everyday consistency of experience spanning infrastructure and interactions, even from as early as the initial diagnosis. Whilst not mentioned in the report, there are clear implications for new developments, such as Monks Cross II, where placemaking should include vulnerable groups in their thinking to create good public spaces that promote health, happiness, and well being for us all. In the race for urban and economic development, it’s important that people with dementia are not forgotten.
On reading the report, it is very clear that the conditions for a dementia-friendly city would improve quality of life not only for 2,000 people in York currently living with dementia, but for us all. It is also clear that we can all play a part in making York more “responsive” in our everyday interaction with the issue.
Dementia Without Walls takes inspiration from similar initiatives in Manchester, Bruges, and Perth, where organic and institutional support is already
Proposed practical interventions include making
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IMAGES - DERRICK TYSON