Milton Village was created by the Center for Hospice Care in partnership with REAL Services. It’s reminiscent of an indoor town with spaces for people living with dementia and Alzheimer’s to interact and socialize. It takes a holistic approach to memory care that, as a day-service, is the first of its kind in the United States. Milton Village provides an environment that combines the care for clients who struggle with early onset neurological issues while at the same time supporting their caregivers. In doing so, everyone involved receives the best quality of care possible.
“I am totally amazed by the dementia village concept,” said Mark Murray, President/CEO of Center for Hospice Care and Milton Adult Day Services. “The fact that we have it in South Bend, Indiana is completely remarkable to me. About 16% of our patients have dementia and the fact that we can serve these people and take care of their needs ahead of time is truly amazing.”
Milton Village includes unique spaces for adults with memory loss and their caregivers to utilize. When you first enter the building, alongside the welcome desk, is their “Main Street” emulating a city street with trees and benches, an Irish pub to the left, with the ‘Gurley Leep Family Theatre’ and shops on the right. Inside the pub are card tables, comfortable chairs, a huge television, and a beautifully restored pool table. Outside the barber/beauty shop is a checkerboard beckoning to be challenged, alongside accompanying rocking chairs.
“We ended up adding two additional areas to the facility. We added what’s going to be the ‘Tire Rack Garage’ complete with an antique car and tools for those that enjoy being mechanics. We also added a four-season room which replaced an existing patio,” said Mike Wargo, Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of the Hospice Foundation. “That’s been transformed into Jane’s Front Porch, thanks to Mary Jane Stanley and her support for what we’re doing here. The rest of the space is the original footprint of the building. I was amazed when we were able to get everything in here.”
Milton Village feels spacious. To the left of the entrance is a diner—with 1950’s style tables, booths, and a working antique jukebox. Included in the area will be a rotating exhibit provided by the Historical Museum. Beside it is a chapel, for church services or a religious study group and an indoor house, with a front porch, kitchen, living room, and nursery to mimic a home-like setting. Further down the hall is a craft room, and what will once again become the ever-popular woodworking room.
To the right of the main entrance is a workout room where clients can exercise and participate in group activities. There is also a resource library/counseling room that is meant to be used by caregivers as well as a quiet space across the hall. The quiet space was designed by a staff member. It was created for the caregivers who enter the building and need a place to sit, or even nap while knowing that the person they care for is safe.
Outdoors is over two acres of beautifully manicured landscaping with sidewalks for walking, including secure fencing. Additionally, there are raised flower and garden beds for clients who enjoy gardening, a putting green, and a gazebo for outdoor entertainment.
“Dementia, much like cancer and similar conditions, is something where the entire family is on that same journey. So, bringing together the caregiver, support, and education is the best approach. There are different support groups and services for caregivers which increases the trust when you have both sides of that equation working together—the professionals at Milton Village and at-home caregivers,” said Karla Fales, President, and CEO of Real Services.
Dementia and Alzheimer's treatment is far more complex than a single caregiver can often provide. That’s where Milton Village can fill the gaps.
“Observing how staff use this and visitors and family use the village will make clear that people with dementia and Alzheimer’s are just people. They want to mingle and socialize. This is the holistic view because so many institutions forget that people with dementia are people first. They should be able to choose to socialize or not but offering that choice within this building will work very well,” said Eloy van Hal, senior advisor to Milton Village and founder of The Hogeweyk.
Mental stimulation is important to limit the progression of dementia. The brain must be worked, similar to a muscle.
“The majority of us enjoy interaction with others. It also engages the brain continually,” Fales said. “Just because a person is suffering from memory loss or some other element of dementia doesn’t mean that they don't want and or enjoy it and can’t be stimulated by it. It goes back to the expression of if you don’t use it, you lose it. And that’s true for a person with dementia as well. Those connections can be made, and they can be reengaged over time.”
For more information about Milton Adult Day Services, visit www.MiltonADS.org