Launched at an event on 30 October 2019, the Framework is designed to support housing organisations to think about how they can better support people to live well with dementia. It sets out five outcomes that are important for people living with dementia, their families and carers. These are underpinned by 11 commitments that housing organisations should already be achieving or working towards.

Housing organisations are encouraged to ‘sign up’ to use the Framework and commit to continuously improve the way they deliver dementia friendly services and design. 

The first in the new series of interactive online workshops, An introduction to the Framework, will take place on November 26 at  14:00 – 15:30.

Ruth Robin, portfolio lead at Healthcare Improvement Scotland, said: “It has been heartening to see the continual commitment of housing organisations to improving how they support people living with dementia. 20 housing organisations have now signed up to use the housing and dementia practice framework and this webinar series is an opportunity to join this growing community within Scotland’s housing sector.

“By using the Framework tool, housing organisations will have a robust basis from which they can further support the health and wellbeing of people living with dementia at home.” 

Ashley Campbell, policy and practice manager at CIH Scotland, said: “There are over 90,000 people living with dementia in Scotland and the housing sector plays a central role in helping them to live well. We know there are lots of examples of good practice but there’s still a lot of work to do. The Framework is open to everyone and includes materials to support organisations to meet all of the commitments.

“I’d encourage every housing organisation - big or small, specialist or mainstream – to download the Framework and see how they can use it to support the work they are doing. Even small changes can make the world of difference.”

Jim Pearson, director of policy and research at Alzheimer Scotland, added: “The vast majority of people with dementia live at home and the housing sector, along with other partners, plays a crucial role in ensuring that their homes, and the support available to them, can be adapted to their changing needs. In this way they can be supported to continue to live well and safely while remaining part of their community.

“The Housing and Dementia Framework provides the tools for the housing sector to build on existing good practice and help people with dementia, their families and carers to live in homes which are enabling environments and which help them achieve the outcomes that matter most to them.”