Dementia Capable Communities Toolkit

Community Action Plan — Report Template

COMMUNITY NAME aims to be a dementia capable community. We recognize that individuals and families in our community already feel the impact of Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias. Alzheimer’s makes up 70% of all dementias. The impact of Alzheimer’s on individuals with the disease and their families, communities, and society is staggering and will continue to grow:

88,000 Minnesotans live with Alzheimer's disease and the number is growing. 70% of people with Alzheimer’s and other dementias live in the community with help from family

and community members. Nearly 245,000 Minnesotans care for family members with Alzheimer’s disease. These caregivers

provide 280 million hours of unpaid care, valued at $3.4 billion yearly. The physical and emotional impact on caregivers results in nearly $9 billion in increased health

care costs annually, including $157 million for Minnesota caregivers. One in seven individuals with Alzheimer’s lives alone and is at greater risk for inadequate self-care, malnutrition, untreated medical conditions, falls, wandering and accidental death.

For COMMUNITY NAME, estimates indicate our community has: (Insert estimates from Section A. Alzheimer’s/Dementia in your Community Needs Assessment)

_______ people over 65 years of age living with Alzheimer’s and related dementias

_______ people over 85 years of age living with Alzheimer’s and related dementias

_______ people who have Alzheimer’s and live alone

To support the residents of COMMUNITY NAME, whether they have the disease or are caring for a loved one with the disease, our community is readying itself to meet the needs related to Alzheimer’s and other dementias.

Community Action Plan – Report Template www.ACTonALZ.org Page 1 of 6©2014. This toolkit was made possible by funding from the Greater Twin Cities United Way. Rev. 06/17/14

Rev. 01/08/14

Goals of a Dementia Capable Community

Dementia capable communities are communities where:

People with dementia can live safely, with as much independence as possible in the setting most conducive to their physical, mental, cognitive, emotional, and spiritual health

People with dementia are treated with respect

People with dementia-like symptoms can receive accurate and timely assessment, diagnosis, treatment, support, and care

Families/friends/care partners of people with dementia have easy access to information and resources, such as education regarding symptoms, disease processes, self-care, and providing care

Resources and Supports are geographically, financially, and culturally available, and accessible

All segments of the community:

o Recognize the early warning signs/symptom

o Understand how to interact with persons with dementia

o Know basic communication adaptations or accommodations

o Know that dementia is a disease

Community Action Plan – Report Template www.ACTonALZ.org Page 2 of 6©2014. This toolkit was made possible by funding from the Greater Twin Cities United Way. Rev. 06/17/14

Rev. 01/08/14

Key Elements of a Dementia Capable Community

The diagram below shows the key elements of a dementia capable

community.

Community Action Plan – Report Template www.ACTonALZ.org Page 3 of 6©2014. This toolkit was made possible by funding from the Greater Twin Cities United Way. Rev. 06/17/14

Rev. 01/08/14

Community Action Plan – Report Template www.ACTonALZ.org Page 4 of 6©2014. This toolkit was made possible by funding from the Greater Twin Cities United Way. Rev. 06/17/14

Rev. 01/08/14

Objectives

COMMUNITY NAME Action Team has developed the following objectives in order to be a dementia capable community. Each objective is designed to support one of the key elements of a dementia capable community. The Action Team completed a detailed assessment to identify current resources, needs, and opportunities within the community. This plan will help COMMUNITY NAME to develop, implement, and sustain a dementia capable community.

Key Element Objectives*Awareness

Develop community awareness of Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias to provide the foundation for recognizing individuals who might have dementia and for identifying supports for them.

Sample objective: By July 30, 2013, 100% of civic and religious organizations will have considered whether to include dementia awareness as part of their annual programming.

Objective 2

Objective 3

Diagnosis, Medical Management & Pharmacological Treatment

Increase early identification of Alzheimer’s disease and improve ongoing treatment based on recommended care practices.

Sample objective: By July 30, 2013, 10 targeted clinics will receive messaging about and a practice algorithm that support screening, early diagnosis, and intervention and quality care consistent with recommended practices.

Objective 2

Objective 3

Information & Education for People with Dementia & their Families

Make information and education about Alzheimer’s and related dementias readily available for patients and their families so they can plan for services and supports.

Objective 1

Objective 2

Objective 3

Care Consultation/Counseling/Support Groups

Provide counseling options for people with dementia and their families so they can have skilled guidance as they navigate services, supports, and their emotions.

Objective 1

Objective 2

Objective 3

Community Action Plan – Report Template www.ACTonALZ.org Page 5 of 6©2014. This toolkit was made possible by funding from the Greater Twin Cities United Way. Rev. 06/17/14

Rev. 01/08/14

Key Element Objectives*Future Planning

Have financial planners, legal counsel, and insurance agents who are knowledgeable and skilled in how to manage the unique future planning needs of people with dementia and their families.

Objective 1

Objective 2

Objective 3

Wellness Programs/Risk Reduction

Have available wellness program and programs focused on risk reduction tailored to people with dementia and their families

Objective 1

Objective 2

Objective 3

Meaningful Activities

Have available meaningful activities that provide engagement and enrichment, tailored to people with dementia and their families.

Objective 1

Objective 2

Objective 3

Caregiver Supports

Have available in the community respite programs or services for caregivers of people with dementia.

Objective 1

Objective 2

Objective 3

Transportation

Offer safe driving programs or resources and have transportation services available.

Objective 1

Objective 2

Objective 3

Independence at Home Services

Have organizations that offer independence at home services, so people with dementia and their caregivers can remain in their own homes.

Objective 1

Objective 2

Objective 3

Residential Settings

Have residential settings—including independent living communities, assisted living, and skilled nursing—tailored for people with dementia.

Objective 1

Objective 2

Objective 3

Local Government Planning

Have city/county ordinances, policies, and emergency preparedness plans that provide access to services and supports for people with dementia.

Sample objective: By July 30, 2014, the city’s emergency preparedness plan will have a component focused on people with dementia.

Objective 2

Objective 3

Community Action Plan – Report Template www.ACTonALZ.org Page 6 of 6©2014. This toolkit was made possible by funding from the Greater Twin Cities United Way. Rev. 06/17/14

Rev. 01/08/14