Title: The Rise of Dementia Housing Without Locked Wards: A New Approach to Care In recent years, there has been a growing movement towards dementia housing without locked wards. This approach aims to provide a more integrated and less segregated living experience for individuals with dementia. The article by Ashley Milne-Tyte highlights the story of Rita Orr, who lives in Loomis Lakeside at Reeds Landing, a continuing care retirement community (CCRC) that does not have a memory care unit. Instead, it offers multiple levels of care from independent living to assisted living and skilled nursing units. The number of memory care units in the U.S. has grown by 62% over the last decade according to Lisa McCracken, head of research and analytics at NIC – The National Investment Center for Seniors Housing & Care. However, this community is unique as it does not have a locked ward for individuals with dementia. This approach is part of an effort to make living with dementia less restrictive and more inclusive in the community. Lori Todd, executive director of Loomis Lakeside at Reeds Landing, explains that people sometimes try to leave locked memory care units because they feel confined. At her facility, she says their goal is to allow those with dementia to live the best life possible within the community. This new approach challenges traditional methods of housing individuals with dementia and offers a more humane way of providing care. The potential implications of this movement are significant as it could lead to better quality of life for people living with dementia, reducing feelings of isolation and confinement often associated with locked wards. It also encourages social interaction among residents, promoting mental well-being and overall happiness. Furthermore, this approach may help reduce the stigma surrounding dementia by integrating individuals into mainstream society rather than segregating them in specialized units. In conclusion, the rise of dementia housing without locked wards signifies a positive shift towards more inclusive care for people living with dementia. By providing an environment that encourages social interaction and freedom, these facilities are paving the way for better mental health outcomes and improved quality of life for their residents. As this movement continues to grow, it will be interesting to see how other communities adapt to these new standards in senior care.
Source: [Original Article](https://www.npr.org/sections/shots-health-news/2025/11/17/nx-s1-5600877/dementia-alzheimers-care-housing-senior-living-inclusion-segregation)
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