Grandson Tom Stays for a Sleepover with Grandma: Humanitarian Dementia Care in a Dutch Nursing Home, An Example for Many

Staying over with his grandma, who has dementia, in this Dutch humanitarian nursing home can be a special and heartwarming experience, as eleven-year-old Tom shows.

In a world where dementia care is often associated with limitations and distance, Tom and the Dutch care organization ‘Dagelijks Leven’ [Daily Life] show that it can be different. At their nursing homes, such as Het Revelsanthuis in Emmeloord, family members can stay for sleepovers with their loved ones. This provides comfort for the residents and creates unforgettable moments for the family.

Sleepovers with Grandma: just like old times

Tom, an eleven-year-old boy, shares his heartwarming experiences about staying for sleepovers with his grandma, Mrs. Huisman, who lives in Het Revelsanthuis. “I always liked staying with grandma,” says Tom enthusiastically. He often stayed with his grandma, and luckily, he still can, even now that she has dementia and lives in a nursing home.

Staying for sleepovers with his grandma has nostalgic value for Tom and offers a deeper connection. “Sometimes I have to tell stories multiple times to the residents,” says Tom, laughing, “but that’s okay. For grandma, it’s always new.” This shows the special way children like Tom deal with dementia, full of patience and love. His parents can be incredibly proud of their patient and loving son.

Nursing Home with a Humanitarian Approach to Dementia Care

Dagelijks Leven advocates a humanitarian approach to dementia care. They see people with dementia primarily as people and not as their disease. We should embrace this approach everywhere. It makes a world of difference, both for the residents and their families.

Inspiring Examples: Teun Toebes

For more inspiring stories about dementia care, you can also check out our exclusive articles with Teun Toebes. Teun Toebes creates moving documentaries and world travels that shed much-needed new light on dementia care. In the documentary “Human Forever,” he explains how important it is not to reduce people with dementia to their disease. “It is essential that we continue to see and approach the person behind the disease,” says Teun. Read more about his work and insights here.

Montessori Approach to Dementia Care

Another important perspective comes from Ann Kelley, who advocates for the Montessori approach in dementia care. This method focuses on creating an environment where people with dementia feel helpful and engaged. “By offering people with dementia activities that match their interests and abilities, we can significantly improve their quality of life,” says Ann. Read more about her insights here.

The sleepovers at Dagelijks Leven show that dementia care can also be warm and humane. It is an example that deserves to be followed. Let us strive for a world where people with dementia are seen as people, where loving care and family bonds are central.