Milton Keynes moves one step closer to dementia friendly neighbourhoods
Milton Keynes Council is set to adopt a new policy outlining how to make neighbourhoods dementia friendly.
A decision will be taken this evening to adopt the Supplementary Planning Document, which shares planning guidance for potential developers, informing them how new estates and buildings can maintain the wellbeing and independence of people living with dementia.
Councillor Pete Marland, Labour Leader of the Council, will take the decision: "Everyone has a role to play in making Milton Keynes dementia friendly, including the Council and developers. As dementia becomes more and more common, we need to be making changes to our planning policies and built environment so that Milton Keynes can be a safe city for people with dementia."
Dementia friendly neighbourhoods may include features such as:
- Housing designed for older people, such as sheltered housing or care homes, that is located within a 5 to 10-minute walk of local shops and services, including public transport
- Streets that are short and not too wide
- Signage that is minimal, and gives simple, essential information at decision points
- Building entrances that are clearly visible, and the functions of buildings should be obvious
Councillor Emily Darlington, Labour Cabinet Member for Adults, Housing and Healthy Communities, has been working on the Council's Dementia Friendly City Strategy: "There are currently 1,647 people living with dementia in Milton Keynes, and this is set to rise to 4,300 by 2030. We owe it to our residents with dementia, and their family, friends and carers, to create neighbourhoods that help them live their best lives."
Liberal Democrat Councillor Jane Carr, Cabinet Member for Tackling Inequalities, added: "We want Milton Keynes to be an accessible, safe and inclusive city for all of our residents, so it is essential that we make as many of our spaces as possible dementia friendly."
