In the Netherlands, the unique “dementia village” Hogeweyk has existed for 15 years and is completely changing the way care for people with severe cognitive impairments is understood. Here, residents are not “kept in institutions”—they live in normal small homes, continue doing activities they enjoy, freely walk around the grounds, make purchases, and communicate with each other, much like in an ordinary settlement.
The model, created by the non-profit organization Vivium Care Group and implemented with support from the government, proved so effective that similar projects are already being built in Australia, Scotland, and the United States.
It is not easy to implement such a model: it requires investment, training, and sometimes overcoming bureaucratic and cultural barriers. But the key result is that people maintain activity, a sense of dignity, and joy in life. The Dutch innovation sets a new standard of care and encourages the world to search for humanitarian solutions for an aging society.
Hogeweyk is a viable alternative to a traditional nursing home. The town can change how dementia is viewed worldwide, making care warmer and more focused on personalization.
