11/23/2025
A growing movement is challenging the way we think about dementia care, and itโs sparking debate.
Instead of locked memory care units, some communities, like LeadingAge member community in Massachusetts, Loomis Lakeside at Reeds Landing, are creating environments where people living with dementia are not just cared forโbut seen, heard, and fully included in community life. Itโs a flexible approach, not a one-size-fits-all model.
Stillโnot everyone agrees. Some believe that a locked door is the best way to ensure everyoneโs safety.
โI think Itโs super important to acknowledge that instinct of wanting to protect our loved ones,โ LeadingAgeโs Vice President of Shared Learning Initiatives, Kirsten Jacobs, agreesโand adds a question: โWhat do we lose โฆ when we focus solely on one type of safety, without acknowledging the richness that can come from a life that allows for some freedom and flexibility and autonomy?โ
Read the full NPR story, by Ashley Milne-Tyte: https://buff.ly/YjUwYXT
