Dementia-friendly housing

Organisations are encouraged to improve existing action plans or develop new ones in order to future-proof their organisations and services, and sign up to deliver a number of the commitment statements within the charter.

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The guide is aimed at the full range of professionals working in the housing sector, from planners and architects to landlords and developers, housing managers and handypersons.

It’s designed to help all professionals support people living with dementia in their homes and facilitate consistency and good practice.

Download Alzheimer's Society's Dementia Friendly Signage 

Download Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) 'Dementia and Town Planning' (updated September 2020)

Housing plays a vital role in the lives and wellbeing of people living with and affected by dementia. We need organisations to take action and support people affected by dementia at this difficult time – to keep them safe in their own homes and connected to their community in new and creative ways. 

Here are some of the key actions you can take today to make a difference to people’s lives:

• Ensure residents/tenants that are self-isolating have access to necessities such as food, medicine and cleaning supplies;  assist with collecting these on their behalf
• If you can't offer to collect food or medication on behalf of residents/tenants, make sure they know where they can get support – signpost to local community groups or provide phone numbers for local stores
• Check in regularly with residents/tenants to reduce their risk of loneliness – don't underestimate the impact a regular phone call can have! 
• Where staff are providing care, ensure they understand the increased importance of social contact 
• Provide entertainment for residents/tenants, such as access to films, TV, music, books and crosswords. View our page with activities for people affected by coronavirus.
• Provide all residents/tenants with key information of support available and numbers to call
• Please remember to signpost for people affected by dementia to our Dementia Connect support line 0333 150 3456  for advice and support.

Is your housing association having difficulties with ensuring people living with dementia are eating properly now that you've had to close your dining halls? Download our guidance Supporting residents with dementia to eat during the coronavirus.

Please let us know what your organisation has been doing to support people affected by dementia by filling out our short survey.