CHICAGO: Dementia care providers are deeply divided over care delivery methodologies.
Existing seniors housing providers are attempting to reinforce their hegemony in the sector by either ramping up development of stand-alone memory care models, expanding existing facilities or building new ones to add memory care to existing senior housing communities.
Others are choosing to ape the Dutch Retro Community (Hogeway), but are all caught up in a care timewarp. The care models are changing rapidly and most providers, despite their best intentions are the “institutionalisers” of the 21st century, ruling via restraint and chemical coshing.
Despite the existence of enlightened providers, the vast majority of dementia minders rely on four walls and locked doors.
Here are 10 views and/or methodologies:
6. Dementia-friendly communities
The concept of dementia-friendly communities is catching on strongly in Europe, and places like Watertown, Wisc., have begun to embrace the concept.
Dementia-friendly communities incorporate infrastructure changes, such as safe, accessible streets and parks. Additionally, workers like bus drivers and bank clerks receive training in how to serve people with memory needs.
Ultimately, the question may not be how memory care will change in senior living settings in the coming years, but how it will change society as a whole…