Abstract
This research used the church as an exemplar to identify how community institutions provide opportunities for individuals living with dementia to continue living in meaningful ways. Study results from this exploratory study indicated churches are moving towards dementia-friendly spaces, but additional assistance is required. Namely, support with the costs of physical infrastructure improvements, dementia education, adequate transportation, and social supports were identified. Due to the significant presence that the church has in lives touched by dementia, policy that acknowledges its contributions to health would help to legitimize the church as a health resource and promote inclusive community culture for individuals in the context of dementia.
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Acknowledgments
This work was supported financially by an Early Researcher Award from the Ontario Research Coalition of Research Centres/Institutes on Health and Aging and the Seniors’ Health Knowledge Network, and by a Research and Innovation Fellowship at Humber College.
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Plunkett, R., Chen, P. Supporting Healthy Dementia Culture: An Exploratory Study of the Church. J Relig Health 55, 1917–1928 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10943-015-0165-8
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10943-015-0165-8