What is a dementia village?
Learn about this idea of a safe community for those with dementia, where they can live independently while still receiving the care and support they need to manage symptoms like memory loss.
What is a dementia village?
Dementia symptoms develop over time, and depending on the stage, they may require more help to safely manage alone. Dementia villages offer support to manage symptoms like memory loss, confusion and disorientation in a familiar environment set up for their needs, while promoting their wellbeing and dignity.
One example is Dementia Village® Associates, a global organization creating tailored living spaces for dementia patients so they can stay safe and comfortable. They say, “Our goal is to connect with the residents’ wishes… The necessary features of the architectural design, the public spaces, the functions and the organization are necessary to meet their needs. This results in a familiar living environment and a higher quality of life.”
What services might be available in a dementia village?
Each dementia village offers different services to improve the quality of life of residents. Dementia villages may have:
- Someone regularly checking in on them to ensure 24/7 safety
- Secure surroundings to prevent wandering without them feeling confined
- Specialist dementia care to encourage cognitive stimulation with activities and games
- Daily routines to reduce stress, agitation or confusion
- On-site staff providing things like memory care to manage symptoms
One example is Age UK Wirral’s dementia village, which has peaceful gardens, accessible shops, a record shop, a post office, and more: “Our clients are now able to enjoy a coffee and toast in the café in the morning, then wander to the cinema to watch a movie or an old reel of the Wirral…”
Should my older loved one live in a dementia village?
It is often recommended that people with dementia stay in their own home as long as possible to remain in familiar surroundings. However, although a move to a dementia village will be an adjustment for an older person, its specially-designed facilities and knowledgeable staff could make it a safe and enjoyable environment.
It is difficult to know whether to move an older loved one to a dementia village, as your options might include dedicated home care in their own residence, a move to a traditional care home, or a move to a dementia village. If your loved one is still living mostly independently, then flexible dementia home care could be the best option, whereas if their needs are developing quickly, a dementia village might be a better fit.
How to arrange a move to a dementia village
It is usually best to arrange a Care Needs Assessment where a local council member will visit the home to assess what kind of care is best for your loved one, and share options. If they recommend a care home or a dementia village, they may be able to help you arrange this. Alternatively, if they believe home care could help, they can arrange this too. If you want or need to arrange private home care instead, our dedicated team at Home Instead can help.
Arranging a move to a private dementia village usually involves researching to find a facility that fits the criteria, arranging a visit to meet staff, and applying for a space. Try to involve your loved one in the process if possible, by taking them to visits and asking their opinions.
Why Home Instead?
While many families worry about placing their loved one in an unfamiliar environment, at Home Instead, our dementia care is designed to provide the bespoke care they need at home. Assured by City & Guilds and tailored to the home care environment, we work with leading ageing experts, dementia specialists and key medical practitioners from around the world to ensure we are always delivering the best dementia care possible.
We are proudly rated 9.6 on Homecare.co.uk, with many of our locations rated “outstanding” by the Care Quality Commission (CQC), so regardless of your needs—whether personal care or specialist memory care—our Care Professionals can step in to provide high quality care that is adaptable as your loved one’s needs change.
Tim Howell , Learning and Development Partner
For the past 16 years, I have been dedicated to the care sector, progressing from Care Professional to Care Manager, and later assuming roles such as Specialist Training Manager. Currently, as a Learning and Development Partner at Home Instead’s National Office, I develop and review training programs, collaborate with external organizations like the Alzheimer’s Society, and manage various impactful projects.
My passion for dementia care has guided much of my work, from engaging with advanced dementia support initiatives, such as those offered by the End of Life Partnership, to staying informed through events like the annual Dementia Summit. These efforts reflect my deep commitment to enhancing the care and quality of life for individuals living with dementia