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At least 50 million people worldwide are believed to be living with Alzheimer’s disease or other dementias, while the total number of people with dementia is projected to reach 82 million by 2030. The magnitude of this healthcare issue begs us to question how we deliver care for this population – and whether we can be doing better.
It’s a particularly significant question in light of the deficiencies we’ve witnessed in nursing and long-term care homes during the pandemic. And it is within that context that The Village Langley, Canada’s first village designed exclusively for those living with dementia, opened its doors in British Columbia last year, offering a unique model of care that celebrates the dignity and independence of its residents.
On today’s episode we speak with Adrienne Alford-Burt, executive director of The Village Langley. In our conversation she shares the inspiration behind the new community and the challenges in current dementia care that The Village is trying to tackle. Adrienne then describes the innovative elements that this model offers and how the approach is providing people with dementia the quality of life and care that they deserve.
Of note: this interview was conducted prior to the pandemic outbreak but we are heartened to hear that The Village has remained COVID-free. “We have worked really hard to ensure the health and well-being of our community throughout BC’s journey with the coronavirus,” Adrienne explains. “We have been very blessed by the natural cohorting our small household design and the social distancing our large property provides. As such, Villagers have enjoyed very little disruption to their personal routines and self-directed movement.”
Listen to Adrienne and The Village Langley’s story. Learn. Enjoy. Share.