Small House

Innovating Care. Inspiring Change.

A New Vision for Dementia Care at the Villa

People with dementia deserve more than safety. They deserve dignity, belonging, and purpose.

The Small House Project is Lambton County’s innovative response to the growing dementia care crisis: a small home where Elders live with familiar faces, meaningful routines, and compassionate care. A warm, welcoming place to call home.

The Challenge

The need for compassionate, dignified dementia care has never been greater.

Dementia is one of Canada’s fastest-growing health issues, and our current systems just aren’t designed for it. In Lambton County, families often face tough choices that force trade-offs between safety, dignity, and quality of life.

The numbers tell the story:

770,000+

Canadians currently live with dementia

2x Growth

Ontario's dementia population within 20 years

26 Hours/Week

Average caregiving time by families

87%

of long-term care Elders in Lambton County live with dementia

Without innovation, families will continue to struggle, and Elders will continue to be underserved.

The Solution

The Small House Model is designed around dignity, autonomy, meaningful engagement, and connection. It creates a warm, welcoming household where Elders living with dementia are known, valued, and supported as individuals.

This is more than a building; it is a renewed approach to dementia care that blends professional support with comfort, familiarity, and trusted relationships.

What sets it apart:

Familiar Staff

Small household living with consistent caregivers

Private + Shared

12 Private bedrooms plus shared kitchens and living spaces

Personal Routines

Daily routines guided by Elders

Calm Design

Designs that reduce stress and confusion

Meaningful Outcomes

Improvements in quality of life for Elders with dementia

New Standard of Care

Personalized care supporting choice, connection, and dignity

This is dementia care designed around people — not processes.

Our Vision

More Than a Building — A New Standard of Dementia Care

The Small House Project is part of a broader Campus of Care vision at The Villa. It is designed to meet today’s needs while setting a new standard for the future of dementia care in Lambton County.

Our goal is to demonstrate what is possible — and to lead change that can be expanded across the region and beyond. A place where life continues.

The Small House Model delivers a place where people living with dementia can truly thrive today and for generations to come.

The Campaign

Campaign Goal: $1.5 million

Public funding covers only the basics. Philanthropy makes excellence possible. Your support will help fund:

Construction of the Small House

Specialized furnishings and adaptive design

Outdoor gardens and gathering spaces

Technology to support safety and independence

Staff training in the Small House care philosophy

Every gift directly enhances daily life for Elders — and provides peace of mind for families.

Help Transform Dementia Care in Our Community

This is a moment to lead with compassion and innovation. The Small House Project will be the first of its kind in our region. Together, we can make aging with dementia a journey supported by purpose, comfort, and community.

We invite you to join us in bringing this transformative model to life. Your gift will help build a home that delivers compassionate, empowering, and personalized dementia care — one that inspires change and strengthens our community.