Fostering Personalised Dementia and Frailty Care Solutions: The COMFORTage Community Forum (CCF)

As Europe confronts the challenges of an aging population, innovative solutions for dementia and frailty are more critical than ever. The COMFORTage project represents a pioneering effort to tackle these issues by merging clinical expertise, technological innovation, and community engagement. At the heart of this initiative is the COMFORTage Community Forum (CCF), a collaborative network designed to sustain and amplify the project’s impact long after its formal conclusion.

The Role of the CCF

The CCF functions as a dynamic collaborative network that engages partners, pilots, and expert stakeholders who share a commitment to dementia, cognitive decline, and digital health technologies. Its main goal is to enhance the sustainability and wider adoption of COMFORTage’s results. Moreover, it provides ongoing opportunities for learning, knowledge exchange, and collaboration.

As a key partner in the COMFORTage project, the AHL Reference Sites Collaborative Network (RSCN) is responsible for implementing and managing the CCF. This network brings together stakeholders to improve personalised dementia and frailty care solutions across Europe.

Key objectives of the CCF include:

• By engaging with the CCF, stakeholders gain access to the latest advancements in the field, fostering continuous learning.
• The CCF aims to deepen stakeholders’ understanding of regional health priorities, aligning project efforts with local needs.
• The forum seeks to establish sustainable mechanisms for collaboration, ensuring its impact continues beyond the project’s lifespan.

Membership and Stakeholder Engagement

Initially, the CCF comprises 39 partners and pilot organizations involved in the COMFORTage project. This foundational group is vital for driving the forum’s success. Additionally, the CCF welcomes diverse stakeholders, including health professionals, policymakers, and researchers, to create a rich ecosystem for dialogue and innovation.

Joining the COMFORTage Community Forum offers several benefits:

• Members gain access to the latest research, best practices, and innovative solutions for managing dementia and frailty.
• The forum fosters a supportive community that encourages meaningful engagement and mutual support among members, allowing for the exchange of practical advice and experiences.
• Participation in webinars, events and training sessions enhances members’ knowledge and skills related to dementia and frailty care.
• Members can contribute insights that shape ongoing research and inform policy decisions, ensuring that their experiences and needs are represented.
• The CCF provides a space for stakeholders to share insights, exchange ideas, and validate innovative approaches in dementia and frailty care.

Building the Forum

The CCF will be established in two phases. The initial phase, starting in October 2024, will focus on forming a core working group of committed stakeholders. This will be followed by broader outreach in February 2025.

In conclusion, the COMFORTage Community Forum plays a crucial role in enhancing dementia and frailty care across Europe. By fostering collaboration, sharing best practices, and driving innovative solutions, the CCF supports not only the immediate goals of the COMFORTage project but also its long-term relevance and adaptability in improving the quality of life for individuals affected by these conditions.

**Article written by the Reference Site Collaborative Network (RSCN), a key partner in the COMFORTage project.