A systemic perspective on designing for well-being in dementia care: learning from the case of Dementia Friendly Communities

This paper aims to analyse the potential contributions of design from a systemic perspective of well-being in dementia care and to identify areas for intervention. Specifically, the authors first provide a systemic perspective of well-being in dementia care from three levels: individual, network, and community. Then using Dementia Friendly Communities as a case study, the authors summarise three contributions areas: (1) Involving - shifting the focus from deficits and burdens to remaining capacities and contributions; (2) Connecting - enhancing service inclusivity and building care service network; and (3) Fostering - activating resources within and beyond the community. The authors then explore what we can learn from Dementia Friendly Communities about design for well-being and the potential contribution of service design in promoting well-being for people with dementia, their care partners, and the community as a whole. The paper concludes with future steps for research in service design in this area.