First-ever 'dementia village' to be launched in US giving sufferers independence

Wednesday, February 11, 2026

As reported by Chloe OKeefe, MSN

America is following the example of projects in Australia, Canada, China, and Europe, as plans for its first-ever ‘dementia village’ have been revealed.

The first of its kind in the states will launch in 2027 in Wisconsin, and follows a similar model thrived in the Netherlands.

The project, where dementia patients will live in households of eight, with medical staff on site, has transformed dementia care in areas where it has already been implemented.

Wisconsin hospice care company Agrace are launching the community, which will see up to 65 patients with memory loss housed.

The idea is to give dementia patients independence and mimic the routines of a small town community, and will include eight houses, a restaurant, spa and grocery story all creating the neighbourhood vibe.

A statement from Agrace CEO Lynne Sexten ensured that the project will be more like living on a campus community rather than an institution.

‘All the things that you have in a traditional home will be replicated here within the village,’ she confirmed.

There are already loads of sign-ups from families interested in learning more when the application goes live. No price point has been revealed as of yet, but Agrace confirmed it would be monthly rates ‘comparable to assisted living facilities.’

The number of patients being housed is currently capped at 65.

These day visitors will not live in the community, but can come on site and enjoy the activities on offer throughout the village.

The Fitchburg Common Council approved the first steps for America’s first dementia village, which is a $40m (€33m) project based on a similar concept in the Netherlands.

The Netherland’s Hogeweyk Dementia Village was the first of its kind, and was first opened in 2009.

Co-founder Eloy van Hal previously said the model was 95% about living and 5% about care, telling The Washington Post last year that people ‘want to live [and] not be treated constantly as patients.’