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But a 2013 paper released by German researchers argued that there was no harm in “benevolent manipulation.” Citing the De Hogeweyk village, the researchers wrote that even though residents live in an “illusion” of normality and independence, they appear to be calm and balanced.

“We believe that, despite ongoing ethical discussions, the most important point is to meet people’s needs. And if one way to do this would be to create the effective impression of being (a little bit more) independent, self-responsible, and in control of things and situations, then this might be the way to go.”

Strickfaden agrees. “There is nothing fake about (De Hogeweyk). It is a space for people to live in, like any other space. It doesn’t trick people in any way. They have access to groceries, activities, public and private spaces like they would in any city or town. … In fact, I have seen examples of fabricated wards with babies in other dementia-care facilities that I believe to be more fake than anything I saw in De Hogeweyk.”

At the end of the day, Schulz says families exploring dementia-care options shouldn’t get caught up so much with the model of care espoused by a provider or even the type of building. What matters most is: are they getting to know residents and providing individualized care?

“You can have the oldest physical building in your community but if they’re taking that approach you’ll be farther ahead than a brand new hotel-like home that is still in a task-centred approach,” Schulz said.

“If the person can feel safe, comfortable, loved, cared for, content, peaceful and at ease, you are so far ahead because most behaviours we see come from anxiety, uncertainty, confusion and not feeling cared for as a person.”

National Post

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