Doreen Freeland, a former “land girl” during World War II in Britain, was among the women enlisted to work on farms and in orchards to maintain food production while men were at war. Recalling her experiences, she mentions the challenges of picking sprouts in frosty conditions.
Now aged 94, Freeland reconnects with nature at The Village Langley, a care facility near Vancouver specialized in dementia care. The establishment spans five acres, resembling a community with amenities like a store, hair salon, café, woodworking shop, and a barn housing animals.
Diagnosed with dementia five years ago, Freeland now resides with her daughter, Gail Deyle, who brings her to The Village’s adult day program weekly. Deyle humorously remarks that missing a Thursday visit puts her in trouble but notices her mother’s improved spirits during these outings.
Engaged in various activities at The Village, Freeland tends to garden beds, interacts with animals like chickens and goats, and socializes with friends. Following her dementia diagnosis, she relocated from Nova Scotia to B.C. to live with Deyle, who became her full-time caregiver.
The Village Langley, inaugurated in 2019, accommodates around 75 residents in six cottage-style homes. Co-founder Elroy Jespersen notes that most residents are in mid-to-late dementia stages or have cognitive impairments, brain injuries, or conditions such as Parkinson’s disease.
Inspired by European models like dementia villages and green care farms, Jespersen emphasizes the residents’ desire to live their best lives despite limitations. The Langley facility, the first of its kind in Canada, aims to provide a dignified living environment for residents.
The Village is now part of a research initiative led by Simon Fraser University and McMaster University to explore the benefits of such settings for dementia patients. The project aims to gather evidence supporting innovative long-term care approaches.
While residing at The Village may be costly for many families, Jespersen hopes research outcomes will pave the way for government funding to make such care more accessible. Experts stress that while farm-style care isn’t a cure for dementia, it can enhance quality of life through social engagement and outdoor activities.
As Canada faces a growing dementia population, efforts to reduce stigma and isolation for individuals with dementia are crucial. Approaches like those at The Village can help combat isolation and improve well-being for both patients and caregivers. Freeland expresses her contentment with the facility’s offerings, acknowledging the respite it provides for her daughter.