Contributing to Community life

People with dementia can contribute to community life for as long as possible with understanding, respect and support from the care partners and other community members.

People with dementia currently feel that they can’t or don’t know how to contribute to their local community. There is an overriding sense of low expectations and low self-belief. 

Two thirds of people with dementia (66%) do not feel they can make a contribution to their community.

For many, living at home and in the community will require supportive services to maintain independence and increase well-being, and this is especially important for people living with dementia. The Eldercare Locator connects people with dementia and their caregivers to a wide range of services. In doing so, people with dementia can live independently in their communities for as long as possible. 

Visit www.eldercare.acl.gov or call (800) 677-1116. The following types of home and community-based services are available in most parts of the country. Depending on income and local availability, these services may be paid for with federal or state funding or may need to be paid out-of-pocket. Supportive Services: Transportation: Rides to medical appointments and mobility management training to help older adults navigate public transportation, In-Home Services: Personal care and other supportive services such as help with bathing, dressing, grooming, light housework and home-delivered meals, Home modifications or repairs that enable older adults to remain safely their homes, Adult Day Care: Supervised social or medical care provided in a setting outside the home, Professional or “friendly volunteer” visitors to maintain social engagement, Legal services, elder abuse prevention programs and Adult Protective Services