Suzie informs you… A village for Alzheimer’s

Suzie tells you everything about this Alzheimer's village

Recently, while reading news articles, I found something very interesting and very innovative!

A large-scale project for Alzheimer's's disease in the South-West of France, an advancement that comes from the Netherlands: the first Alzheimer's village in France.

In 2018, in the Landes, next to the city of Dax, the first village for people affected by Alzheimer's's disease will open. This concept, already established in the Netherlands, allows for the "demedicalization" of the daily life of affected individuals.

Monique Lubin, the vice-president of the general council of Landes promises: “There will be no caregivers in white coats,” so it is a concept that allows for a space of freedom, being able to walk around at will without encountering closed doors, or feeling marginalized, and in this regard, it is a very good point!

There will be 120 employees (doctors, caregivers, life assistants…) and 120 volunteers for 120 residents, in a so-called pleasant living environment. Because the motto of this village is “Like at home.”

The village will include housing for six to eight people. “They can come with their furniture. The idea is to be like at home. There will be this grocery store, where people will do their shopping, and above all, large spaces where they can stroll in a secure and closed environment,” continues Monique Lubin.

The first village in Amsterdam in the Netherlands reveals that the psychological state of patients is better than in a traditional hospital environment; the place is of course open to non-residents who want to come and have a drink!

This project is financially supported by the State as its production cost is estimated at 24 million euros.

Personally, I find this project very interesting but we must also be very careful, as I would not want it to lead to ghettos of patients that the city no longer wants to keep!

So even if this new concept is an advancement, we must be vigilant because the subject is delicate; I can only hope that those in charge will have beautiful human and respectful projects for this village!

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The benefits of an Alzheimer's village for residents

Alzheimer's villages, like the one that will open in the Landes, offer numerous advantages for people affected by this disease. Here are some notable benefits:

• Secure environment: Residents can move around in a protected space, which reduces the risks of wandering and accidents.
• Social stimulation: The presence of other residents and collective activities promotes social interactions, which are essential for psychological well-being.
• Adapted activities: Activity programs are established to stimulate the cognitive and physical abilities of residents.
• Personalized approach: Each resident benefits from individualized support, taking into account their needs and preferences.

The challenges to overcome for Alzheimer's villages

Despite the advantages, the establishment of Alzheimer's villages also poses significant challenges:

• Staff training: It is crucial that the staff is trained in the specifics of Alzheimer's's disease to provide quality support.
• Integration into the community: Ensuring a good relationship between the village and the surrounding community is essential to avoid the isolation of residents.
• Sustainable funding: Finding sustainable funding sources is a major issue for the proper functioning of these structures.
• Prejudices and stigmatization: It is important to raise public awareness to combat preconceived ideas about Alzheimer's's disease and its patients.

Alternatives to Alzheimer's villages

In addition to Alzheimer's villages, several alternatives exist to support people affected by this disease:

• Specialized nursing homes: These establishments offer adapted care while maintaining a certain level of autonomy.
• Home services: Allow individuals to stay at home while benefiting from professional support.
• Day centers: Offer activities and care during the day, allowing relatives to benefit from respite time.
• Support groups: Promote exchange between families and professionals, offering advice and resources for better living with the disease.

The role of families in supporting people affected by Alzheimer's's

Families play a crucial role in supporting individuals affected by Alzheimer's's disease. Here are some key points to consider:

• Education and awareness: Understanding the disease allows families to better manage the behaviors and needs of patients.
• Creating a reassuring environment: A familiar setting can help reduce anxiety in sick individuals.
• Participation in care: Involving families in the care process promotes the well-being of patients.
• Taking care of oneself: Relatives must also pay attention to their own mental and physical health to effectively support their loved ones.