The landais Alzheimer Village (VLA) “Henri Emmanuelli,” located in Dax, france, represents a groundbreaking approach to dementia care. Established on the initiative of the former president of the Landes department, the VLA operates under an experimental status, distinguishing itself as a unique facility within France and across Europe.
Unlike traditional care settings, the VLA provides a home for 120 residents diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease or related illnesses.A key feature of the VLA is its design: residents live in fifteen individual houses arranged to resemble a typical village, complete with amenities such as a café and shops. This allows residents to move freely and engage in daily life activities, irrespective of the progression of thier condition.
Since its opening in 2020, the VLA has garnered important attention from healthcare professionals and communities worldwide.The inaugural “International Meeting of the Landais Alzheimer Village,” held in late 2025, drew 300 attendees, including 50 international participants, demonstrating the growing interest in this innovative model of care.
The success of the VLA is already inspiring similar initiatives in other regions. the town of Yffiniac in Côtes-d’Armor, France, is developing “Les Maisons d’Yffiniac,” a project slated for completion in 2028. This project is supported by a dedicated foundation, the departmental council, and the regional health agency, highlighting the potential for widespread adoption of the village model.
Published: 2026/01/24 03:32:03
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