Alzheimer’s village lets patients remember freedom and dignity

The small village, like most in France, has a cafe, a hairdresser, a mini-mart and a library.

Neighbours have a cup of coffee and a chat on the terrace, or meet up in the park or at the gym before heading their separate ways home.

But these are no ordinary villagers. Their average age is 79 and they all have Alzheimer’s.

Opened in June in the spa city of Dax, the Village Landais Alzheimer – named after the Landes department whereit is located – hosts 120 people with the cruel, memoryrobbing ailment with no cure.

Each resident has medical care-givers and volunteers – 240 people in total – to provide help with daily tasks that for some have become impossible to manage.

But this is no care home. Staff do not wear white coats and residents are given the freedom to pursue their lifestyles, as far as they can.

“Each has their own room and live at their own rhythm. The one that rises at 6am does not disturb the one that enjoys sleeping in,” Aurelie Bouscary, an assistant at the community said.

The village is just over an hour by train from Bordeaux and three and a half hours from Paris, and has a long waiting list of potential clients.

Inspired by a similar project in the Netherlands, the trial at Dax is being closely watched by experts in Japan and Italy – countries with similar ageing populations seeking more humane care models.

A key aim of the village is to allow residents to maintain a close relationship with their loved ones and not become cut off from the world.

Ten places of the 120 are reserved for dementia sufferers under 60, and the youngest resident is 40.

The Landes village consists of four “neighbourhoods”, each with four homes housing about eight people apiece.

Residents are not allowed to leave the five-hectare property, but can receive unrestricted visits and have access to tranquil walking paths, a pond, and a park complete with swings – a popular attraction.

Adding a country-side touch, donkeys Junon and Janine wander freely about the calm, green village.

Residents can share meals in a common dining area, and are roped in to help with tasks such as table setting – a staff member always on hand to keep an unobtrusive eye.

“The job is still one of caregiving. But it is completely different from existing models. I feel like I’m doing my work better,” said Bouscary.

“Since arriving in June, they have been able to make themselves comfortable and regain a peaceful freedom,” said Nathalie Bonnet, a psychologist at the community.

“They have recovered their motivation and are resuming everyday activities. As there is always someone on hand to address episodes of anxiety or depression, they calm down faster.

“And as a result, prescriptions for antidepressant treatments can be reduced,” she added.