CREDIT: Photo: Jay Williams
If you haven’t heard of them yet, there is an excellent chance you will hear about a dementia village in the not-too-distant future. First introduced in 2009 by Hogewey, a memory care center in the Netherlands, these long-term care homes are set up like villages and targeted toward those with advanced dementia.
Contrary to what many people think, dementia is not a specific disease. Instead, it is a generic term for the inability to remember, think, or make decisions. While Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form of dementia, there are others, and they all hamper everyday activities. And even though dementia mainly impacts older adults, it is not a part of normal aging.
Individuals with moderate dementia often continue to live in their homes with support from family, friends, or home health care services. However, people living with advanced dementia need significantly more care. Traditionally, care has been provided by continuing care retirement communities (CCRC), nursing homes, and memory care units. Dementia villages take a unique approach.
How does a dementia village differ from traditional dementia care?
Located in Weesp, near Amsterdam, the village of Hogeway, resembles any other small town with restaurants, shops, and a movie theater. It is designed with a courtyard surrounded by apartments that house the village’s 150-plus residents, all of them living with severe dementia.
Around 240 trained geriatric nurses and caregivers (called “villagers”) provide around-the-clock care that includes preparing meals, assisting with personal care, and administering medications. All villagers dress in street clothes, including the trained staff members who work at the various businesses throughout the village.
The primary goal of the dementia village is to focus on meeting the needs of the individual while respecting their values and preferences.
To that end, they encourage residents to be physically active while using less medication and minimizing anxiety and agitation. With assistance from villagers and volunteers, the residents participate in meaningful activities, such as shopping at the supermarket, having their hair done, walking in the garden, or attending concerts and movies.
To be continued…
Written by: Seniors Guide Staff