Dementia Village

65 million people are expected to develop dementia by the year 2030. Instead of carelessly placing patients into nursing homes where they’re quickly forgotten, sedated, and often abused, Agrace in Wisconsin is in the process of constructing the first “Dementia Village” in the U.S.

Residents are free to grab groceries, dine out, stroll gardens, and generally roam around while still being supported by caregivers. Community members will be placed in small, intimate households and be supported by specially trained staff who are expected to go the extra mile in establishing meaningful relationships with each resident. Moreover, the village will include a Grief Support Center and a Training & Education Center for both caregivers and families.

The village is inspired by the successful Hogeweyk Dementia Village in the Netherlands, and aims to maintain a high quality of life for residents, regardless of the stage of their Dementia. It is about time the U.S. offered an option for aging citizens that allows each individual to preserve their own way of life.

Although the Wisconsin village is the first of its kind in the U.S., this is a step in the right direction—away from thoughtless nursing homes and towards senior care that maintains dignity. Villages like this demonstrate that an enjoyable quality of life and decent care is attainable for those with Dementia, as long as health and humanity is prioritized over profit and convenience.