What if dementia care could feel more like a neighborhood than an institution?

In this episode of The Dementia Collective, we sit down with Elroy Jespersen, the brainchild behind The Village Langley, Canada’s first dementia village.

Elroy shares how his formative years in a children’s home, surrounded by community and collective living, shaped his belief that people thrive best when they belong. After decades in recreation and senior living, he saw a gap in how dementia care was delivered — and set out to change it. That vision became The Village Langley, a groundbreaking community where people living with dementia live with freedom, dignity, and connection.

Together with host Andrew Karesa, Elroy reflects on:

• How his upbringing influenced his approach to community and care

• The journey from concept to reality in building Canada’s first dementia village

• Balancing freedom and safety in a new model of care

• The global attention sparked by National Geographic’s feature on The Village Langley

• What the future of dementia care could look like if we dared to reimagine itElroy’s story is a testament to how vision, courage, and lived experience can spark system change.

Learn more at:

www.bluebellvillage.ca

https://verveseniorliving.com/the-village/

Disclaimer: The information shared in this podcast is for general informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. It should not be used to diagnose, treat, or prevent any medical condition. Always consult your physician or another qualified healthcare provider regarding any questions you may have about a medical condition or treatment. The views and opinions expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of Andrew Karesa, blueBell Village Ltd., or any of its employees, contractors, or team members.