Recently, dementia has emerged as an important social issue. As the population continues to age, the increasing recognition of seniors with dementia calls for proactive social interventions. The government began responding to dementia issues in the mid-2000s, and the policy focus is gradually shifting from medical response to care. Over time, dementia has transitioned from being perceived as a personal issue to a medical concern, then to a social care priority, and now to a community-wide challenge. Further policy steps are needed to enable older people with dementia, who until recently were considered unfit for community living and sent to hospitals or facilities, to live their old age in the community with housing and support services.
This study aims to explore ways to enable older people with dementia, who are increasingly regarded as requiring social support, to continue to age in place, not in facilities or hospitals. In particular, from the housing policy perspective, we explore ways to provide stable rental housing occupancy and improved medical and care services for low-income seniors with dementia in community-living settings.