US to Build First Purpose-Built Dementia Village in Wisconsin, Opening 2027
The United States is embarking on a groundbreaking healthcare initiative with the construction of its first purpose-built dementia village, a $40 million development designed to revolutionize elderly care. Spearheaded by the nonprofit organization Agrace, this innovative project will be located on its campus in Fitchburg, near Madison, Wisconsin. Construction is set to commence this year, with the grand opening anticipated for September 2027.
A Neighborhood, Not a Nursing Home
This secure village will accommodate up to 65 residents, offering a transformative alternative to traditional nursing homes as dementia diagnoses continue to escalate nationwide. Instead of a single, large institutional facility, the design centers on eight small, home-style houses. Each house will provide private bedrooms for approximately eight residents, along with shared kitchens and living areas, fostering a domestic atmosphere.
The primary objective, according to Agrace, is to replicate the natural rhythms of daily life, thereby mitigating the stress and disorientation commonly associated with conventional care settings. This approach aims to enhance the well-being of residents by creating a familiar, comforting environment.
Amenities Mimicking a Real Town
Beyond the residential houses, the campus will feature a variety of amenities that emulate a genuine town. Residents will have access to a grocery shop, a restaurant, an on-site theatre for film screenings, and numerous parks and gardens. Movement within the village will be unrestricted yet secure, allowing individuals to walk freely while ensuring their safety.
Residents will be grouped based on shared interests and life experiences to encourage social connections and familiarity. Specially trained caregivers will support daily activities and will reside on-site in separate studio apartments. Agrace emphasizes that this model promotes relationship-based care and could help attract and retain staff in a sector plagued by chronic shortages.
Inspired by Global Models
Lynne Sexten, President and Chief Executive of Agrace, stated, "Living here will not feel like an institution. We are building households that look and feel like home, while ensuring people receive the care and safety they need." The US village draws inspiration from Hogeweyk, a pioneering dementia village in the Netherlands established in 2009. Similar communities have since been developed in Europe, Australia, Canada, and China.
Studies of these international models indicate significant benefits, including:
- Improved quality of life for residents
- Reduced anxiety and depression
- Lower stress levels for families and caregivers
Addressing a Growing National Need
Dementia rates in the United States are projected to rise sharply in the coming decades, with annual diagnoses expected to double by 2060. Currently, over six million Americans live with the condition, often experiencing fragmented or inconsistent care. Agrace argues that village-style communities present a more humane and effective response to this escalating challenge.
Financially, monthly fees are estimated to be comparable to assisted living costs. Families will cover room and board, while medical services may be insured. Agrace also plans to implement a sliding fee scale supported by an endowment, aiming to make the village accessible to individuals across various financial backgrounds.
Redefining Elderly Care for the Future
While the dementia village will not cure the condition, its ambition is distinct: to preserve dignity, independence, and social connection for as long as possible by replacing locked wards with streets, shops, and communal routines. If successful, the Wisconsin village could serve as a blueprint for dementia care across the United States in the years to come, setting a new standard for compassionate and innovative elderly support.
