In 2015, Japan’s government released its Orange plan, a package designed to tackle dementia. This includes the development of new drugs, regular home visits and supporting family caregivers.
In particular, the city of Matsudo has put dementia services at the centre of its welfare policy since 2010, after realising early on the challenge of looking after an ageing population. Spearheaded by city hall, the plan consists of raising public awareness, opening dementia drop-in centres and even creating QR codes that can be ironed onto clothing to help police locate the families of people who have wandered from their homes. Upon attending a 90-minute lecture, residents can become “dementia supporters”, who identify themselves by wearing orange bracelets. They are tasked with raising community awareness and assisting those in distress.
