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Connect with a Lifestyle Leasing ConsultantBlog | November 4, 2024
4 Inspiring Lessons in Senior Care: Insights from the Netherlands
At the end of September, Trico LivingWell was invited to participate in a fact-finding mission to the Netherlands led by Monica Schagen, the Counselor for Health, Welfare and Sport, Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands. This initiative aimed to explore innovative practices in senior care, with Trico LivingWell’s very own Cathy Lockhart, Director of Nursing, representing our commitment to excellence in the care and support of older adults.
The Canadian delegation was a diverse group of experts from various sectors, including home care, senior care, and research. This rich mix allowed for meaningful conversations about emerging technologies and collaborative approaches to enhance senior care across Canada.
Senior Care at Trico LivingWell
At Trico LivingWell, we offer three categories of living that provide our residents with the services they need: independent living, assisted living and memory care. We were excited to have the opportunity to gain insight from this fact-finding mission that could be used to enhance the living options we provide our community.
Our independent living services are designed for older adults that wish to downsize and live independently in a social community with amenities and services close by. For seniors looking for a little more support, assisted and memory care offer a wide range of support.
Trico LivingWell’s assisted living rental suites include daily living hospitality services and wellness programming with access to personalized care and supportive services. Convenient amenities are housed in the same building, encouraging residents to remain active and do the things they enjoy.
Our memory care services are designed for older adults living with dementia and other cognitive conditions. Trico LivingWell’s Memory Care Program focuses on supporting the resident’s needs, interests, skills and strengths through purposeful programming and wellness living within small intimate groups.
Key Observations
The mission took Cathy and the other delegates through several cities, including Den Haag, Amsterdam, and Utrecht, where they gained insights and toured care concepts that gave a first-hand look at the Dutch healthcare system’s strengths. Notably, the Netherlands boasts a remarkably low senior poverty rate of 1.5% and prioritizes community-based support for seniors, with a focus on person-centered care.
Innovative Models
Hogeweyk and tanteLouise were standout examples of how to create dementia-friendly environments. Hogeweyk is designed as a village for those with advanced dementia, where residents can engage in daily activities in a familiar, home-like setting. Similarly, tanteLouise employs cutting-edge technology, such as GPS-enabled wristbands, to allow residents the freedom to roam safely.
Buurtzorg, a groundbreaking home healthcare model, employs self-organized teams that build close relationships with local communities, ensuring personalized and trustworthy care. This model emphasizes that effective healthcare must involve more than just treatment; it requires a holistic approach to well-being.
Embracing Technology
The use of technology in Dutch senior care is inspiring. Innovations like hip airbags and smart monitoring systems demonstrate how emerging technologies can enhance safety while maintaining residents’ independence. Organizations like Nictiz are at the forefront of developing digital solutions that improve healthcare information management, paving the way for a more connected and efficient care experience.
Key Takeaways
The mission underscored several key takeaways:
- Person-Centered Care: Ensuring dignity and autonomy for all seniors, especially in dementia care.
- Community Engagement: Building trust through localized care models
- Legislative Support: Comprehensive policies provide a strong foundation for sustainable care.
- Collaboration: Partnerships between government, healthcare providers, and community organizations are essential for effective senior care.
Moving Forward
As we reflect on this trip to the Netherlands, it’s clear that there’s much we can learn from the entrepreneurial spirit and innovative approaches to aging. By sharing knowledge and embracing new ideas, we can work towards a future where senior care is not only compassionate and efficient but also sustainable. At Trico LivingWell, we are committed to applying these insights to enhance the lives of our residents, ensuring they receive the highest quality of care.
