Home / Health / Wisconsin to Open First US Dementia Village
Wisconsin to Open First US Dementia Village
10 Feb
Summary
- A $40 million project in Wisconsin will create America's first dementia village.
- The village aims to provide 65 residents with independence and routine.
- Inspired by a Dutch model, it will replicate a small town with amenities.
A transformative $40 million project is set to introduce America's first 'dementia village' to Wisconsin in 2027. Agrace, a hospice care company, is spearheading this initiative on its Madison campus, drawing inspiration from a thriving model in the Netherlands.
The village will provide a unique living environment for up to 65 residents diagnosed with memory loss conditions. Its design aims to foster independence and routine by recreating the atmosphere of a small town, featuring individual households of eight residents each. This approach seeks to prevent the institutionalization often associated with memory care facilities.
Residents will benefit from on-site medical staff and amenities designed to resemble a typical community, including a grocery store and hair salon. Agrace's CEO, Lynee Sexten, stated the campus will "not feel like an institution," emphasizing the replication of familiar home elements. This project promises to revolutionize dementia care in the US by prioritizing resident autonomy and spontaneity.
The community is based on the Hogeweyk Dementia Village in the Netherlands, which successfully shifted dementia care paradigms in Europe and beyond. Agrace has indicated that monthly residency rates will be comparable to assisted living facilities, with potential financial assistance available for those in need. The facility is slated to open in September 2027, with over 100 individuals already signed up for notifications.
