Resources
Finding dementia-friendly businesses
Dementia-friendly communities are growing fast. Knowing how to find — and ask for — them keeps your loved one engaged in the world longer.
Updated 2026-02-27
What 'dementia-friendly' actually means
- Staff trained in dementia communication (slower, eye contact, no rushed transactions).
- Environment that reduces overwhelm — quieter, simpler menus, fewer choices on display.
- Allowances for repetition, slow payment, occasional confusion.
- Often certified by Dementia Friendly America or a local Alzheimer's chapter.
How to find them
- Dementia Friendly America — dfamerica.org has a community list.
- Local Alzheimer's Association chapter — keeps a directory.
- Memory Lane resource finder — filter by dementia-friendly tag.
- Just ask — many local businesses have informal training and will say yes if you call ahead.
Best businesses to look for
- Hair salons / barbers with quiet morning hours.
- Restaurants with senior matinee menus, simple choices, calm lighting.
- Banks with a 'preferred banker' you can ask for by name.
- Pharmacies that do delivery and medication synchronization.
- Faith communities with dementia-friendly worship services.
Frequently asked questions
- Can we ask businesses to train staff?
- Yes — Dementia Friends offers free 1-hour sessions for any business. A friendly conversation with a manager often goes a long way.
- What if a business handles us badly?
- Most of the time, it's lack of awareness, not malice. A quick polite note often opens conversations. Memory Lane's resource directory lets you flag businesses too.
Every dementia journey is different.
Memory Lane Care helps you understand what applies to your loved one, what to expect next, and which resources fit your family's situation.
Related across the journey
Memory Lane connects every part of dementia care. Here's how this topic threads into the rest.
Behavior Guidance
Paying for Care
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