The non-profit organization Agrace, based in Wisconsin, in the Estados Unidos, plans to build the first village dedicated to caring for elderly people with dementia in the country. The project, called Ellen & Peter Johnson Dementia Village at
The construction represents an investment of 40 million dollars and will house up to 65 residents in small houses, with capacity for six to eight people each. The residences will be organized around common areas that simulate a small town, including a supermarket, restaurant and common spaces. Equipes doctors will be available on site for daily support, without the environment feeling institutional.
The announcement reflects the search for alternatives to traditional models of dementia care, which many families find insufficient. Agrace identified the need for a space that restores spontaneity and independence to patients. Mais of 100 people have already signed up to receive notifications about the opening of the village.
Origin in the Dutch model
The concept of the dementia village emerged at Holanda with the Hogeweyk, opened in 2009 in the city of Weesp. Essa community accommodated residents in houses grouped by similar lifestyles, allowing them to maintain daily habits. The model prioritizes normality rather than the isolation typical of traditional institutions.
Hogeweyk has influenced projects in countries such as Austrália, Canadá and China, where similar communities operate successfully. Nos Estados Unidos, the absence of equivalent initiatives motivated Agrace to adapt the format. The organization studied the European model for years before deciding to implement it.
Planned structure in Fitchburg
The Agrace village will have eight residential houses distributed across an integrated campus. Cada unit will reproduce the environment of a conventional house, with individual rooms and shared areas. Residents will be able to move freely through safe internal streets.
- Supermarket for supervised daily purchases;
- Restaurant open to residents and visitors;
- Leisure areas, including gardens and squares;
- Day club for people with dementia who still live at home.
Construction begins in May 2026, after approval by the municipal council of Fitchburg. The project transforms the current Agrace campus into a connected care center. Residentes will remain in the village until the end of their lives, with ongoing support.
The environment was designed to reduce the stress common in traditional institutions. Profissionais trained personnel will monitor the activities without interfering excessively in the residents’ routine. The approach is person-centered, adapting the space to individual preferences.
Costs and access to services
Housing and food costs will be paid by the residents’ families, at amounts comparable to other assisted living facilities. Despesas doctors may be covered by health plans, depending on individual coverage. Agrace is still finalizing the monthly fee details.
The organization has recorded significant interest since the initial announcement. Visitas daytime services will be available to people with dementia who do not live in the village. Essas activities allow participation in events without the need for permanent hospitalization.
Data on dementia in the state
In Wisconsin, 11% of people over 65 live with Alzheimer disease, the most common form of dementia. The condition represents the seventh leading cause of death in the state. Population aging increases the demand for specialized care.
Organização Mundial from Saúde recorded 57 million cases of dementia globally in 2021. Projeções indicate significant growth in the coming years. Iniciativas and the village of Agrace seek to meet this reality in a more human way.
Advantages of the village format
The village model allows residents to maintain active social interactions in a controlled environment. Atividades everyday activities, such as shopping or walking, occur with discreet supervision. Estudos over Hogeweyk show reduction in medication use compared to conventional institutions.
Residents organize themselves into groups compatible with their life histories. Essa division facilitates adaptation and reduces conflicts. Equipes Multidisciplinary teams adjust support as the condition progresses.
The approach deinstitutionalizes care, prioritizing dignity and autonomy. Familiares report greater satisfaction with similar models implemented in other countries. Agrace hopes to replicate these results in the American context.
Preparation for inauguration
Agrace carries out specific training for teams that will work in the village. The focus is on in-depth understanding of the person-centered model. Parcerias with international experts assist in implementation.
The campus will undergo renovations to integrate the new buildings. Áreas existing palliative care facilities will coexist with the village. The transition occurs gradually until complete completion.
The initiative positions Wisconsin as a reference in innovative dementia care. Outras regions of the Estados Unidos follow the development. The project could inspire replications in different states.
Operational Details
Residents will circulate through spaces that include a health club and cultural areas. The design eliminates visible security barriers. Profissionais wear ordinary clothes to integrate into the environment.
The village will operate 24 hours a day with rotating teams. Monitoramento occurs non-invasively. Familiares will have easy access for visits.
The project has received local community support since its announcement. Doações helped make part of the investment viable. Agrace maintains constant updates on the progress of the works.
