A project described as a “first-of-its-kind” in the United States is planned to take form right here in Sheboygan County. To be known as “LIVASU”, the project by Dementia Innovations, a Sheboygan-based 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, is to be built in the Town of Wilson. The concept operates under a “living as usual” design that incorporates pocket neighborhoods of 10-14 small square-footage homes surrounding a village center. LIVASU is planned for 124 homes in all, with the village center featuring a restaurant, a theater, a chapel, a grocery and an atrium area.
According to Chuck Butler and Mary Pitsch of Dementia Innovations, the village and its amenities will be open to the public with the goal of reducing the stigma of dementia through the integration of the residents into the community. The concept focuses on support for the person with dementia and their family, who are given a greater role and autonomy in decision-making, with the support and care provided 24-7 as-needed and at the level requested. The homes will be privately owned, allowing spouses to remain together.
Dementia Innovations said that they’ve received generous support of many organizations in the community. Land for the project was secured primarily through a donation from the Ruth DeYoung Kohler Community Impact Fund, with additional support from the West Foundation and Bank First.
Groundbreaking is planned for late this spring or early summer, with homeowners able to move in sometime in the fall of 2025.
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