Implementing dementia-friendly initiatives: a case study on stakeholders' perceived barriers and facilitators

Objective: Dementia-friendly initiatives aim to increase the quality of life for people with dementia and their caregivers by raising awareness in the community and providing appropriate support services. Understanding how stakeholders perceive dementia-friendly initiatives in Turkey is crucial for ensuring that individuals with dementia and their caregivers can continue their lives with dignity and inclusion in society. Accordingly, the purpose of this study is to identify the perceived barriers and facilitators by stakeholders in the implementation of dementia-friendly initiatives. Method: A qualitative research method was selected to identify the perceived barriers and facilitators by stakeholders in the creation of dementia-friendly initiatives. A case study approach, a type of qualitative research, was chosen due to its focus on uncovering specific details and interactions related to the implementation process of dementia-friendly initiatives. Semi-structured questions were posed to participants (n=15) during three separate focus group discussions involving professionals, informal caregivers, and members of non-governmental organizations. The collected data were analyzed using thematic analysis method in the ATLAS.ti qualitative data analysis software. Results: The thematic analysis of the data revealed three main themes: tools for enhancing awareness, ıncreasing support: ınstitutions and stakeholders, the social dimension of dementia: protective environment. Conclusion: This study has revealed that raising awareness and education are the most important facilitators in the implementation of dementia-friendly initiatives, while financial difficulties and lack of collaboration among stakeholders are the biggest barriers. Additionally, the presence of a person-centered care perspective and areas where caregivers can receive support are crucial for the success of dementia-friendly practices. Increasing understanding, respect, and tolerance towards dementia in society are other important factors that support the success of these initiatives. Key words: Aging, Dementia Friendly Initiative, People with Dementia