What if we completely reimagined dementia care? In this eye-opening episode, Bob Mannor and Amy Persails take you inside their extraordinary visit to Hogeweyk, the revolutionary dementia village in Amsterdam that's transforming traditional memory care. This unique approach to elder care champions dignity, freedom, and quality of life for people with severe dementia, offering a new perspective on the challenges caregivers face. Within the cobblestone streets of Hogeweyk, you'll find real grocery stores, restaurants, and pubs—not just window dressing but symbols of a fundamental shift in philosophy compared to typical American facilities. Here, residents are encouraged to wander freely, make choices, and embrace normalcy, significantly reducing the stress and agitation that often accompany traditional dementia care. Remarkably, Hogeweyk experiences virtually no sundowning or agitation, achieving this not through medication or restraints, but by fulfilling fundamental human needs for autonomy and respect. One resident follows the tour group for hours, happily engaged and content, challenging our conventional practices that often misinterpret such behaviors. The living arrangements further illustrate this revolutionary concept. Residents share homes based on their cultural backgrounds and prior lifestyles, fostering a sense of community. With just one caregiver per household during the day, and no overnight interruptions, residents enjoy restful nights, contrasting sharply with many nursing facilities. Join us as we explore this transformative model of dementia care that may reshape your understanding of elder care. For caregivers, families, and professionals alike, this conversation prompts us to reconsider our most basic assumptions about memory care: what if freedom, rather than control, is the key to improving lives? Subscribe to Advice From Your Advocates wherever you get your podcasts. Host: Attorney Bob Mannor Guest: Amy Persails, CECC Executive Producer: Savannah Meksto Assistant Producer: Shalene Gaul We'd love to hear from you! Support the show Listening Options YouTube Playlist Apple Podcasts Spotify Amazon Music iHeart Radio Podcast Addict Podchaser Deezer Listen Notes Player FM ABOUT US: Mannor Law Group helps clients in all matters of estate planning and elder law including special needs planning, veterans’ benefits, Medicaid planning, estate administration, and more. We offer guidance through all stages of life. We also help families dealing with dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, and other illnesses that cause memory loss. We take a comprehensive, holistic approach, called Life Care Planning. LEARN MORE...
