Reimagine Dementia Care: How Neighborhoods Hold the Key to Wellbeing

The 'Neighborhoods: our people, our places' project (N:OPOP) is significant because it shifts the focus of dementia care from traditional medical models to the impact of social health and the environment. It investigates how people living with dementia interact with their neighborhoods, emphasizing the importance of social engagement and environmental support. This project aims to enhance the capabilities, capacities, and competencies of individuals with dementia by creating more supportive and inclusive communities. The project is funded by the Economic and Social Research Council and the National Institute for Health Research (UK).

Social health, as highlighted by the N:OPOP project, refers to the importance of social engagement and environmental support in the lives of people with dementia. It goes beyond traditional definitions of health that focus solely on physical and mental wellbeing. The N:OPOP project demonstrates that by understanding the lived experiences of people with dementia in their neighborhoods, communities can be more supportive and inclusive, improving their quality of life and enabling them to remain active and engaged members of their communities. The concept addresses how people with dementia experience their local environment and how this lived experience can enhance their capabilities, capacities, and competencies.

The N:OPOP project uses qualitative and participatory methods across three field sites: Manchester, Central Scotland, and Linköping, Sweden. These methods include mobile and visual techniques designed to capture the nuances of local spaces and networks, essentially 'mapping' these local environments. This approach helps to create knowledge that will inform the development and piloting of neighborhood-based interventions. By focusing on 'lived place,' the research moves beyond generic references to the outdoors or urban environments, addressing the complex interplay between individuals and their surroundings.

The N:OPOP project reveals that neighborhoods play a multifaceted role in the lives of people with dementia. While neighborhoods can present limitations and constraints, they also offer significant opportunities for help and support. These opportunities, often overlooked in traditional dementia studies, are crucial for fostering social health and wellbeing. Key findings highlight the importance of social interaction, environmental factors, community support networks, and understanding the lived experience of people with dementia to create effective policies and practices.

The N:OPOP study suggests several implications for policy and practice. By recognizing the strengths and agency of people with dementia, communities can create more supportive environments that foster social health and wellbeing. This requires a shift in perspective, moving away from a focus on deficits to an appreciation of capabilities and potential. The insights gained from this research can inform the development of targeted interventions that promote community engagement, reduce social isolation, and empower individuals with dementia to live fulfilling lives in their neighborhoods.