Canada's First 'Dementia Village' Set to Open Its Doors

The first Canadian community for people diagnosed with dementia is set to open in Langley, British Columbia, in July, reports CTV News . "The Village," as it has been dubbed, features one-story buildings, including six cabins and a community center, distributed over five acres. The cabins have no stairs or elevators and will be used for housing a dozen residents each. A grocery store and other amenities will be spread across the property. A secured perimeter with only one exit encloses the project. The Village project lead Elroy Jespersen says the community was designed specifically for older people with dementia, noting that more than 50 individuals have already pre-registered to live in The Village. He expects all of the 72 spots will be filled by the time the community opens. The community is partly inspired by a Dutch housing project called Hogewyk, billed as the world's first "dementia village."