As anyone who has a family member with Alzheimer’s can tell you, it is a disease that affects everyone involved.
In many cases, some type of care outside of what the family can provide is needed, and traditional care facilities are often used. At times, seniors with dementia may get special care, and that is what is provided in a special unique care village located in Dax, France.
That facility, known as Village Landais Alzheimer, helps more than 100 seniors who are dealing with that debilitating disease.
The Danish practice NORD Architects opened the gated community in June. Those who call the location home have a degree of independence but they also get the specialized care necessary from a nursing home.
Residents are able to walk around the 12.3 acre property and friends or family can come for a visit. All the comforts of home are available at the facility, along with 240 medical caregivers and volunteers that help with anything they may need.
There are four neighborhoods, each with four shared houses at the village. They also have a shop, library, cafeteria, music room, and even a salon! Those additions add a degree of familiarity that is good for those who have Alzheimer’s.
“It’s to maintain their sociability, to maintain a contact with the old world they once knew, to ensure there is no brutal break with the past,” explained Christine Surelle, one of the volunteers in the shop.
Madeleine Elissalde is one of the first residents at the village. At 82 years of age, she now has a safe place where she can feel comfortable with her memory loss, as it mirrors the outside world.
“It’s like being at home,” she said. “We’re well looked after.”
Researchers are interested in seeing the results of having people in this type of environment. Although the results are not in yet, it is easy to see that people are happier who live there.
You can learn more about this unique solution for those suffering with dementia in the following video:
