Why Dementia Village Projects Like the Dutch Hogeweyk Remain Rare in the U.S.
Memory care villages have garnered attention in the U.S. following the success of Hogeweyk in the Netherlands, but actual projects are few and far between. While some operators are making efforts to replicate the model, challenges such as legal, political, and financial obstacles hinder progress.
Architectural and planning difficulties, as well as concerns from neighbors and local officials, contribute to the scarcity of dementia villages in America. Limited funding, high costs of memory care, and regulatory requirements present further challenges to the development of such projects.
Despite the hurdles, some initiatives, like the Livasu Village project in Wisconsin, are exploring innovative approaches to lower costs and offer a more sustainable model for memory care. Additionally, adapting existing facilities to align with dementia village principles can provide a more feasible starting point for organizations.
Ultimately, the path to creating dementia villages in the U.S. may require incremental steps and a gradual shift towards a more integrated and person-centric care approach. By prioritizing resident well-being and implementing small changes, organizations can work towards their own version of a dementia village model, even without a complete replication of Hogeweyk.
