Teun Toebes was 17, a student nurse, when he first entered a care home. He entered, he remembers, “the closed ward”, where residents were locked inside. It illustrated perfectly, he thought, “how we have lost the plot” when it comes to treating dementia.
A Journey Through Care Homes
Teun, together with filmmaker Jonathan de Jong, has just released a documentary, Forever Human, on his journey in care since: living for years in homes across the Netherlands, and then travelling beyond to find the best examples of dementia care across the world.
The documentary chronicles Toebes' experiences, from his initial shock at the restrictive environment to his time living in various Dutch care facilities. His work has taken him beyond the Netherlands to explore innovative approaches internationally, seeking models that prioritize the well-being and autonomy of residents.
Proposing a Radical New Approach
Together, they talk to Helen Pidd about the radical new approach they are proposing for dementia – from pets, to cooking to solo walks – focused on maximising freedom for those in care.
Their proposal challenges traditional models that often prioritize safety and control over personal liberty. The approach emphasizes integrating everyday activities and personal choices into care routines, aiming to enhance the quality of life for individuals living with dementia.
Maximising Freedom in Dementia Care
The documentary and their advocacy highlight the importance of treating individuals with dementia as fully human, capable of making choices and engaging in meaningful activities. By focusing on what people can do, rather than what they cannot, Toebes and de Jong hope to shift the conversation around dementia care.
Their work suggests that small changes, such as allowing residents to cook or take walks independently, can have a profound impact on their well-being. The approach is a call to action for care homes worldwide to rethink their policies and embrace a more humane, freedom-centered model.
