Charity, Friends of the Elderly has launched a new dementia strategy, The Wider View, setting out its approach to supporting people living with dementia across its care homes and day care services.
Covering the period 2026–2029, the strategy is rooted in a simple principle: once you have met one person with dementia, you have only met one person with dementia.
It reflects the charity’s commitment to person-centred, evidence-based care that looks beyond diagnosis to the individual, their relationships and what matters to them. The Wider View challenges ‘over-caring’, where well-intentioned support can unintentionally limit independence, and instead focuses on dignity, autonomy and proportionate risk. It also places strong emphasis on working in partnership with families and friends, recognising the vital role they play throughout the dementia journey.
The strategy is built around four key commitments: developing a skilled and confident workforce; embedding a rights-based, anti-discriminatory care culture; delivering evidence-based care with continuous improvement; and working collaboratively with families, communities and professionals.
Friends of the Elderly has a long history of supporting people living with dementia and their families, including earlier work through its Admiral Nurse Service. The Wider View builds on that experience while responding to current evidence and the growing need for high-quality dementia care.
Speaking about the launch, Yvette Carr, Friends of the Elderly’s Head of Dementia Care said: “Dementia care is not about doing more things to people. It is about understanding who they are, what they value and how we can support them to live well. The Wider View reflects our belief that good dementia care is thoughtful, relational and rooted in respect.”
The strategy will guide practice across the charity’s services, inform staff training and development, and shape how Friends of the Elderly works with families and partners over the coming years.
The Wider View is available to read online here.
