September is Dementia Awareness Month, making it the perfect time to highlight the ways countries around the world are supporting people living with dementia. Japan, with one of the world’s fastest aging populations, is actively developing and implementing strategies to support people living with dementia. This includes prioritising community involvement, early diagnosis, and inclusive policies to improve quality of life for those affected.
Key Developments in Japan’s Dementia Care Model:
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Basic Act on Dementia to Promote an Inclusive Society (2023): This legislation aims to create a society where individuals with dementia can live with dignity and respect. It designates September as “Dementia Month” and September 21 as “Dementia Day,” aligning with global awareness efforts.
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Community Based Integrated Care Systems: Japan is moving towards a community based integrated care system, aiming to provide comprehensive support within local communities. This approach facilitates early intervention and continous care, reducing the need for institutionalisation. The system encompasses health care, nursing care, preventive care, housing, and livelihood support, ensuring that elderly individuals can live in familiar environments even if they become heavily in need of long-term care.
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Kyoto-Style Orange Plan: This collaborative model involves local governments, healthcare providers, and residents working together to create dementia-friendly environments.
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Addressing Social Stigma: Japan is also working towards reducing societal stigma, with public education campaigns and dementia friendly spaces to promote inclusion and understanding. For example, the “Dementia Friendly Communities” campaign encourages local businesses and organisations to become more accommodating to individuals with dementia.
As a leader in health and social care you can take inspiration from these strategies. During Dementia Awareness Month, it’s a good opportunity to talk to your teams about best practices, raise awareness, and explore ways to build stronger, more inclusive support networks for people living with dementia.
