Designing an alternative,
community integrated model of residential aged care for people living with dementia
The University of Canberra and The Neighbourhood, Canberra were supported by The Snow Foundation to undertake a research project in August 2022. The overarching aim of the project was to investigate ‘What needs to be in place to ensure that people living with dementia can engage safely and equitably in all aspects of the Neighbourhood’, a proposed village for people living with dementia in the Canberra region.
Utilising a small group workshop format known as the Nominal Group Technique, ideas were collected from people with dementia, carers (current and former), globally recognised dementia care experts, local aged care stakeholders, and representatives from non-government organisations, across three workshops.
The set of guiding principles resulting from the project were:
1. A need for the surrounding community to be invested in the village: From before construction commences and into the future, the local community should be consulted and included.
2. Education of all people at every level of the village and community: The level of knowledge of dementia and the learning needs of each of the different groups associated with the community needs to be assessed and met. This includes care and support staff, the local community, the families, and business and service stakeholders.
3. The organisational mission, vision and values need to promote an inclusive culture: The culture of the organisation should embrace inclusivity and enablement of choices for people with dementia, that acknowledges dignity of risk, respect, and tolerance.
4. Care staff that promote an enabling person-centered care environment: The deinstitutionalisation of care will require funding and staffing models to enable the type of care where staff can give residents the choice to do what they want to do and to have time to build relationships with residents.
5. Meaningful activities should meet the needs of the individuals living in the village: There should be a range of activities available that are designed and set at an appropriate level to allow people with all stages of dementia to engage safely in the village and local community. This includes enabling people with dementia to work in the village and intergenerational activities including with the on-site childcare centre.
6. The built environment is designed to enable maximum engagement and safety: From the individually designed homes to the wider village setting, the environment needs to be designed to be accessible, attractive, and enabling. This will also include the use of appropriate technology. It should also support wider community engagement in the available facilities and services in the village (for example, a community garden for people in the village and locals).
At the conclusion of the workshops all participants were in agreeance that a village for people with dementia is possible, but would require a dementia friendly community, staff empowered through education, an organisational culture to promote meaningful engagement, and a suitable physical environment.
Recommendations made included:
1. The local community will be consulted at every stage of development.
2. The model of care of the village will allow staff to enable people with dementia in the village to participate in safe, meaningful, and engaging activities
3. The physical environment of the village will be a safe and engaging space for people with dementia to live
The research was led by Nathan D’Cunha, Helen Holloway, Nicole Smith, Stephen Isbel, Diane Gibson, Jane Thompson and Sue Kurrle.
The University of Canberra team and The Neighbourhood Canberra sincerely appreciate the support provided by The Snow Foundation.