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Since we began collaborating in 2011, we have been contemplating this question. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), more than 55 million people across the globe live with dementia (March 15, 2023). WHO recognizes dementia as a public health priority and has tirelessly advocated for a dementia-inclusive society. Yet, despite these efforts, numerous barriers remain that not only hinder inclusion but also impact the overall well-being of people living with dementia.
In this blog post, we’ll explore three critical challenges and share some exciting opportunities we’ll be pursuing in 2025 to tackle these issues head-on.
The Behavioural and Psychological Symptoms of Dementia (BPSD) framework, while intended to provide structure for care, often perpetuates stigma. By reducing human behaviours to a checklist of “symptoms” to be “managed,” this approach risks framing people living with dementia as problems to be fixed rather than individuals to be understood, and leads to the widespread use of ineffective and potentially dangerous psychoactive medications.
The over reliance on medical interventions exacerbates this issue, overshadowing opportunities for holistic approaches that honour the person behind the diagnosis. It reinforces the stigma of dementia as a condition to be “feared,” pushing inclusion further out of reach.
The pursuit of effective treatments is undeniably important, but a singular focus on it can overshadow efforts to support the immediate and long-term well-being of those living with dementia. This emphasis often manifests in the design of physical spaces, care practices, and programs that inadvertently or intentionally exclude people living with dementia from thriving.
Instead, we need environments and systems that prioritize dignity, choice, and connection—pillars that empower people to live fully, even in the face of cognitive changes. A well-being-focused approach acknowledges that inclusion is about more than physical presence; it’s about fostering opportunities for meaning and purpose.
At the core of creating inclusive communities is recognizing the human rights of people living with dementia. Too often, these rights are overlooked or compromised, perpetuating marginalization and diminishing autonomy.
A well-being focused approach reframes dementia care and support to ensure individuals’ rights are respected and that they are active participants in decisions affecting their lives. It insists on equal opportunities for engagement and challenges the systems and attitudes that diminish the voice and agency of people with dementia.
In March 2025, we will bring these critical conversations to the forefront during a trip to New Zealand and Australia. Supported by Eden in Oz & NZ and Community Home Australia, we’ll engage leaders, care teams, and communities in meaningful dialogue and action to dismantle these barriers. In particular we will have two engagement opportunities in both Auckland, New Zealand and Canberra, Australia that include:
1. “Dementia Beyond Drugs” Workshop
A two-day workshop focused on challenging the BPSD / medical approach by sharing a successful wellbeing framework that centres on a proactive, strengths-based approach to improving global aspects of well-being for every individual, regardless of how their cognitive function is labelled.
2. “Creating Inclusive Communities for People Living with Dementia” Symposium
This one-day event will bring together leaders, clinicians, social workers, health practitioners and other decision makers from various sectors to unlock pathways for inclusion. Guided by Five Positive Pathways to Inclusion (TM) developed by Dr. Power in collaboration with Dr. Jennifer Carson and Pat Sprigg, we’ll share strategies, learn from a panel of industry leaders, and co-create actionable plans for building communities where people of all abilities can thrive. This very practical morning symposium and afternoon workshop will put the “I” into Inclusion.
Creating truly inclusive communities for people living with dementia requires a collective shift in mindset, policy, and practice. By addressing stigma, prioritizing well-being, and upholding human rights, we can unlock opportunities for inclusion and help people with dementia live full and meaningful lives.
We are excited about our upcoming trip and for those in New Zealand and Australia, we hope you’ll join us for any or all of these three days on this important journey of creating more inclusive communities. For more details and to book your seat, please go to Save the date!! March 2025 – Leadership in Dementia Care workshops – Eden In Oz & NZ
