Choosing a different approach to risk in care homes Yes of course! Choosing a different approach to risk in care homes

Imagine life in a care home What would it mean if you would have to live in a nursing home Story of grandfather (picture): restricted in many ways

We had a dream To create a complete alternative to the nursing home with truly person centered care: aimed at fulfilling individual needs and with a focus on wellbeing and to be able to keep on living life. After 7 years of hard work: Reigershoeve. 27 people with dementia and day care. People come when they already have moderate to severe dementia and are in need of 24-hour care. End of life care.

Wellbeing in care homes Safety first? Living YOUR life Relationships Engagement in life Person centred care FREEDOM Wellbeing in care homes: transition of care homes from traditional nursing home care with focus on treatment of the disease, to a focus on wellbeing. Whereas there used to be a large focus (from the government and inspection ) on safety, now more focus on wellbeing (person centeredness). When it comes to wellbeing, it should not be all about safety. I believe it is about living your life, having relationships with other people, engagement in life, person centered care, and FREEDOM.

Yes of course! An important starting point for care homes is developing a strong care vision. This vision should be clear and give practical guidance how to actually provide care. We found that the easiest way in making care truly person centered and focus on maintainig people to live their lives: is by saying YES OF COURSE to all requests. Start listening to people and stop thinking from a risk management perspective. Also when it comes to phyisical exercise. We can offer physical therapy, but also offer normal life activities

Life is about taking risks

Bike trip to the beach Let me give you some examples…

Awake at night, asleep during the day Let me give you some examples…

Always looking for possibilities Let me give you some examples…

Always looking for possibilities Let me give you some examples…

A nightly walk A nightly walk

Preparing dinner With knifes!

What do I believe are the results? There are many moments of happiness. People stay active much longer. Less challenging behaviour? Better functioning? Family satisfaction. Staff wellbeing.

Dare to say YES! Take home message Stop thinking in problems Stop organising out of fear

And let life surprise you Even with dementia it can be beautiful! Thank you for your attention.