Episode #51
The Truth About Dementia Villages (with Eloy van Hal)
What if the biggest problem with dementia care is not dementia, but the way we have designed care around it? In this episode, Andrew Karesa sits down with Eloy van Hal , co-founder of the Hogeweyk and senior managing advisor with Be Advice, to explore how one of the world’s most recognized approaches to dementia care grew from a traditional institutional nursing home into a neighbourhood built around normal life, autonomy, relationships, and personhood. Often described as the world’s first “dementia village,” the Hogeweyk began transforming dementia care more than 30 years ago. Together, Andrew and Eloy challenge conventional ideas about safety, locked doors, risk, independence, and what people living with dementia should be allowed to do. Eloy explains why everyday experiences like cooking with a knife, shopping for groceries, walking outside, meeting strangers, and choosing how to spend the day matter. He also shares why, if he were starting again today, he might not build a dementia village at all. Eloy also reflects on his own experience supporting his mother, who is living with dementia, and how being a family caregiver has shaped his perspective after decades of working professionally in dementia care. In this episode: How the Hogeweyk evolved from a traditional nursing home Why Eloy dislikes the term “dementia village” Why dementia care needs to rethink risk and safety Whether people living with dementia should be free to leave How small group homes and shared lifestyles create comfort Why everyday interactions and community matter What Eloy has learned caring for his own mother Why leadership is essential to changing dementia care What Eloy would do differently if building the Hogeweyk today This is a conversation about dementia care, autonomy, dignity, risk, community, leadership, and a simple idea that people living with dementia should be seen people first Learn more at: https://www.bluebellvillage.ca https://www.bethecareconcept.com/en/ https://hogeweyk.dementiavillage.com/ ——— Join The Village and help shape conversations like this by submitting questions to our guests: https://www.patreon.com/cw/blueBellVillage ——— This episode is brought to you by Eugeria . Check out their website for dementia products you can trust. ——— Disclaimer: This podcast is for general information only, not medical advice. Consult a qualified healthcare provider about your health. In an emergency, contact local emergency services. Guests’ views are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of Andrew Karesa or blueBell Village Ltd. Third-party references are for information only, not endorsements. You use this podcast at your own risk. Andrew Karesa, blueBell Village Ltd., and their team are not liable for any loss, injury, or damage arising from its use.
