Highlighting programs, communities, and caregivers around the world that provide top-notch, person-centered dementia care in both traditional and innovative ways.
“…and what remains is the precious life we used and still want to live.
Dementia Village Advisors
No more, no less.”
Dementia Villages
I was moved to tears when I walked into Hogeweyk, a dementia village in the Netherlands. This is the most inspirational care facility I have ever seen. Not only is the architecture beautiful, but the design affords autonomy to residents living with severe dementia.
The nursing facilities and themed lifestyle homes are part of an enclosed village where residents safely and freely access a cafe, supermarket, music store, bar, theater, hair salon, etc. Residents can ride around the village on multi-person 3-wheeled bikes (hello vestibular and proprioceptive input!).
This is a perfect example of care facilities helping their residents achieve occupational justice in a sensory-rich environment.
Dementia Friendly America
Dementia Inclusive Cincinnati
I’ll start with a shoutout to the city where I live! Episcopal Retirement Services (ERS) wants Cincinnati to be the most dementia inclusive city in America by 2025. Collaborators include local volunteers, the Alzheimer’s Association of Greater Cincinnati, the City of Cincinnati, and the UC Gardner Neuroscience Institute.
Pilot programs have been launched at various local businesses including The Episcopal Church of the Redeemer, Sleepy Bee Cafe, and The Public Library of Cincinnati and Hamilton County.
Cincinnati-based businesses: CLICK HERE to inquire about staff training opportunities through Dementia Inclusive Cincinnati.