The adaptation of the dementia village model: Comparing design features of a Dutch and Canadian dementia village

Dementia villages have attracted global interest as an alternate care model for people with dementia. While this model has been replicated in several Western countries, limited research has explored how the physical features of the model have been adapted and modified for other countries. This chapter describes observations made at the Hogeweyk, the original dementia village, and the Langley Village, a Canadian dementia village inspired by the Dutch model. There are similarities between the two sites, such as being a secure, purpose-built village for people with dementia. However, there are differences in the architecture and design of amenity spaces. The differences could be related to no standard definition for a dementia village, nor published design principles. Future studies should evaluate the design of dementia villages to assess how features are experienced and improve the quality of life of residents. These results can be incorporated into the design guidelines of future villages and new models of dementia care.