Show Notes
In this bonus episode of The Dementia Collective, Andrew Karesa takes a close look at what a dementia village actually is — and why, despite decades of evidence that they work, Canada has yet to build one at scale.
The video begins with a simple number: more than 400 Canadians are diagnosed with dementia every day. By 2050, that number is projected to reach 1.7 million. Andrew uses that as a starting point to ask a harder question — not just how we will care for people, but whether the systems we are building are actually designed for living.
Drawing on the story of the Hogeweyk in Weesp, Netherlands — a secure neighbourhood for 188 residents with advanced dementia, operating since 2008 — Andrew walks through what person-centred design actually looks like in practice. He examines the research outcomes, the global spread of the model, and the alternative approach taken by the Restaurant of Mistaken Orders in Japan.
He also doesn't sidestep the critiques. The constructed reality argument, the cost and equity problem, and the question of whether a better institution is still just an institution — all of it gets examined.
The episode closes with a look at what is keeping this model from scaling in Canada: funding structures built around clinical interventions, building codes designed for acute care, and a workforce crisis that is already here. Drawing on data from the Alzheimer Society of Canada's Landmark Study, Andrew makes the case that the blueprint exists — and that what is missing is not knowledge. It is the belief that the final years of life deserve the same investment as any other.
This episode is part of the ongoing blueBell Village conversation about person-centred care, caregiver support, and what it means to actually live well with dementia.
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0:00 Understanding Dementia: A Growing Concern in Canada 3:43 Design Principles of a Dementia Village 7:14 The Dementia Village Model: A New Approach 8:18 Ethical Considerations and Critiques 12:28 The Future of Dementia Care: A Call to Action 13:59 Implementation Challenges
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Consider becoming a member of the village on Patreon — it will go a long way in helping break dementia stigma. For only the price of a Starbucks coffee per month: https://www.patreon.com/cw/blueBellVillage
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Disclaimer: The information shared in this podcast is for general informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. It should not be used to diagnose, treat, or prevent any medical condition. Always consult your physician or another qualified healthcare provider regarding any questions you may have about a medical condition or treatment. The views and opinions expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of Andrew Karesa, blueBell Village Ltd., or any of its employees, contractors, or team members.
More from The Dementia Collective
What if learning about dementia started before a family ever had to face it?
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NOTE: This is Part 2 of 2 of our Silver Tech Summit 2.0 special. In this special episode of The Dementia Collective, Andrew Karesa sits down with seven guests at the Silver Tech Summit 2.0 in Edmonton to explore what aging well really looks like, who gets a say in shaping that future, and why older adults need to be part of the conversation. Featuring: Darlene Schindel, Founder, NurseWell Collective Dr. Martin Ferguson-Pell, Professor, Faculty of Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Alberta Janice Baskin, Manager, Edmonton Regional Innovation Network Karen Murdock, Founder, Silver Longevity Business Association Jay Pritchard, President, WE Seniors Zoran Kovacevic, entrepreneur and founder of Pace Pet Chief Billy Morin, Member of Parliament for Edmonton Northwest, former Chief of Enoch Cree Nation, and Indigenous Services Critic In this episode: What “Build With Us, Not For Us” actually means Why older adults need a voice in the technologies and services created for them Why care is about more than technology Loneliness, isolation, and rebuilding community Turning research and innovation into real-world solutions Entrepreneurship and designing alongside the people you serve Indigenous entrepreneurship and culturally appropriate care for Elders Rethinking how we define and measure successful aging This special episode was filmed at and produced in conjunction with the Silver Tech Summit 2.0, hosted by WE Seniors in Edmonton, Alberta. Learn more at: https://www.bluebellvillage.ca https://silvertechsummit.ca/ https://slba.ca/ ———
NOTE: This is Part 1 of 2 of our Silver Tech Summit 2.0 special. In this special episode of The Dementia Collective, Andrew Karesa sits down with seven guests at the Silver Tech Summit 2.0 in Edmonton to explore what aging well really looks like, who gets a say in shaping that future, and why older adults need to be part of the conversation. Featuring: Darlene Schindel, Founder, NurseWell Collective Dr. Martin Ferguson-Pell, Professor, Faculty of Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Alberta Janice Baskin, Manager, Edmonton Regional Innovation Network Karen Murdock, Founder, Silver Longevity Business Association Jay Pritchard, President, WE Seniors Zoran Kovacevic, entrepreneur and founder of Pace Pet Chief Billy Morin, Member of Parliament for Edmonton Northwest, former Chief of Enoch Cree Nation, and Indigenous Services Critic In this episode: What “Build With Us, Not For Us” actually means Why older adults need a voice in the technologies and services created for them Why care is about more than technology Loneliness, isolation, and rebuilding community Turning research and innovation into real-world solutions Entrepreneurship and designing alongside the people you serve Indigenous entrepreneurship and culturally appropriate care for Elders Rethinking how we define and measure successful aging This special episode was filmed at and produced in conjunction with the Silver Tech Summit 2.0, hosted by WE Seniors in Edmonton, Alberta. Learn more at: https://www.bluebellvillage.ca https://silvertechsummit.ca/ https://slba.ca/ ———
What does caregiving look like when no one sees what you’re carrying?