Abstract
A dementia-friendly community (DFC) is a geographically defined area where people with dementia are acknowledged, respected, supported, and empowered to participate actively in society. While over 200 organisations in Northern Ireland (NI) recognised as dementia-friendly, limited understanding exists about how these communities function to achieve their intended outcomes, such as social inclusion, quality of life and increased dementia awareness.Aim:
This study exploered the lived experiences of people living with dementia in geographical DFCs and identified factors that empower and support them in these settings.
Theoretical Framework:
The study used realist evaluation(RE), a theory-driven methodology suitable for assessing complex social interventions like DFCs. Unlike traditional models, RE examines what works, for who, under what circumstances, and to what extent.
Methods:
A four-stage RE approach was employed. Stage 1 a realist literature review to establish initial context-mechanism- outcome (CMO) configurations. Stage 2 collected data in three phases: non-participant observations (n=10), semi-structured interviews with people with dementia and caregivers (n=10), and focus groups with caregivers and DFC staff (n=21). Stage 3 refined the CMO configurations, and Stage 4 synthesised findings into final programme theory.
Results:
The study identified key themes influencing DFC effectiveness: physical and sensory environments, interpersonal interactions, social support, community engagement, geographical context, public perceptions, barriers, staff attitudes, co-design, intergenerational efforts, training, funding, and organisational commitment. These factors were integrated into a refined programme theory supporting DFC design and evaluation.
Conclusion:
The study contributes a context-sensitive programme theory for DFCs based on the experiences of people with dementia in NI. The findings offer practical guidance for stakeholders aiming to create inclusive communities that enhance the lives of people living with dementia.
Thesis is embargoed until 31 July 2026.
| Date of Award | Jul 2025 |
|---|---|
| Original language | English |
| Awarding Institution |
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| Sponsors | Northern Ireland Department for the Economy |
| Supervisor | Christine Brown Wilson (Supervisor), Peter O'Halloran (Supervisor), Gary Mitchell (Supervisor) & Patrick Stark (Supervisor) |
Keywords
- Dementia-friendly
- realist evaluation
- dementia
- dementia friendly communities