The new rural communities guide is designed to help all types of rural communities increase awareness of dementia and become more dementia-friendly.

Rural communities have an important part to play in tackling the social and economic impact of dementia, by supporting people living with dementia to be part of their local community. 

People affected by dementia often have to give up the things they love due to low awareness, stigma and unsupportive environments. This includes being part of their rural community. 

What is the Dementia-friendly rural communities guide?

The guide gives best practice advice on how to create a dementia-friendly community in rural areas and shares successful case studies from across the country. It was created in partnership with the Prime Minister’s Rural Dementia Task and Finish Group, a group of organisations, individuals and rural experts. 

People living with dementia should be able to live the life they want to lead in their communities, irrespective of their condition. This will only be achieved with greater awareness, understanding, and support for those impacted by dementia. 

By developing an understanding of dementia, rural communities can make a huge difference to people living with dementia.

Who is it for?

This guide is to help anyone in a rural community to get started on becoming dementia-friendly.