Women’s only memory care facilities make sense.

Two-thirds of Americans with Alzheimer’s disease  are women, and the causes for the prevalence are related to genetics, lifestyle, and demographic if we consider that women live longer than men.

Professionals of the senior living industry have empirically observed that women and men establish different relationships with peers for a long time. Still, in 2019, a study published by specialists from Georgia University approached it through a science lens.

The scientists observed that groups of males and females release a hormone produced by the pituitary gland during same-sex social interactions, but women are more sensitive to it. Women perceive establishing healthy relationships with same-sex peers as significantly more rewarding than men.

It helps explain why many women living with dementia show improvement in single-gender facilities.

Via Health Services opened Via Iris, a locked unit memory care only for women, in August 2022. Since the beginning, we have observed a strong bond between some groups of women. Once they recognize affinities, they develop a sense of community by talking, playing games, and having meals together regularly. The members of the groups also encourage each other to participate in group activities.

Almost a year after the opening, the experience with Via Iris has been positive for residents and family members and tremendously inspiring for all employees involved with this unique approach to dementia care.