Asset-Based Community Development for Dementia-Friendly Communities (ABCD for DFC): Perspectives From Community Stakeholders

Abstract

<p>Dementia-friendly communities (DFCs) have gained global prominence as a key strategy to enable older adults living with dementia to live with dignity and without stigma. However, there is little understanding about how community stakeholders beyond those working directly with people affected by dementia can be effectively mobilized and contribute to the creation of DFCs. This study explores the underlying facilitators that enable community stakeholders’ engagement and contribution towards DFC development. A dementia-friendly initiative underpinned by principles of asset-based community development was implemented in Hong Kong. We conducted three focus groups comprising 23 participants from five local stakeholder groups. Five themes, including leveraging university-community partnership, capacity building and mobilization of older adult volunteers, enhancing institutional functions through asset building, fostering cross-institutional collaboration, and engendering a culture of collective efficacy, are discussed, underscoring the importance of harnessing inherent community assets to inform the design and implementation of dementia-friendly initiatives.<br></p>