The unique idea for Livasu, a village specially integrated with services for those living with dementia in the Sheboygan area has taken a big step forward with shovels breaking the ground.
Ceremonies were held last week Wednesday on the project that has been in development for several years by the nonprofit group, Dementia Innovations. Its President, Mary Pitsch, addressed the crowd, saying: “We are here today with joy, anticipation and a sense of accomplishment knowing that the vision – we once had to close our eyes to see – is now becoming a reality as we celebrate the groundbreaking of Livasu.”
Community support for Livasu – which derives from the phrase “living as usual”, is being described as “tremendous”, with many giving at capacity. A matching campaign was launched with support from the Black Spring Foundation in March, while the capital campaign continues toward the goal of $13.5 million.
LIVASU Village Concept. Image Courtesy of Dementia Innovations
Livasu will be located on 79 acres in the Town of Wilson near Stahl Road and South Business Drive. The development will include 124 individually-owned homes, a village center with an open-to-the-public restaurant, theater, grocery store and more. Livasu will be the first such integrated dementia village in the US and is expected to serve as a model to others across the country.
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