Local government play a vital role in developing dementia friendly communities.

Dementia is the single greatest cause of disability in Australians aged over 65 years. It is also the second leading cause of death in Australia, behind only heart disease.

As the Australian population ages, we are seeing a much greater prevalence of dementia in Western Australia. It is estimated that by 2050, the number of people with dementia in Western Australia will more than double.

It is critical that we develop a dementia inclusive society that promotes risk reduction and supports people living with dementia to engage in an inclusive community.

Consider how dementia friendly principles, activities and proactive engagement of people living with dementia in community consultations can be built into Aged Friendly plans and Disability Access and Inclusion Planning (DAIP)
Community development can provide infrastructure for peer to peer support groups such as memory cafés and art programs
Libraries can offer information and resources as well as be designed, and staff trained, to support people with dementia accessing their services
Train customer facing staff, such as rangers, in dementia awareness and understanding.