In Tournai, a CPAS nursing home has been testing a completely new operation for almost two years. The principle, inspired by the Nordic countries, is to give residents maximum autonomy. Patients are visibly won over.
Buffet breakfast between 8am and 10am. Those who prefer are served in their room. A freedom that is priceless for the 150 residents. “It feels like we were at home”, says a resident.
“My nursing home is like my house, my home, life is good”, said another resident.
“Some arrive at 7:30 a.m. because there are early risers, then there are late risers who arrive at 9:30-9:45 a.m. That’s what’s great”says Sylvie, a facilitator.
Every two months, working groups are also organized today around gardening.
“Having a meaningful activity for them is precisely to make them want to have long or short-term projects, and that their place of life becomes a place of desires”, adds Marie-Eve Nottebart, an occupational therapist.
André is very involved. Gardening has always been part of his daily life. “At my parents’ house, we always had a strip of land where we did our little vegetables. At that time, I had 10-11 men. It’s important for me to continue here. I’ve always wanted to work in garden.”
The objective is to offer autonomy and total freedom to residents. Claire and Marie-José were even able to adopt a cat a few months ago. “It’s a new reason to live and try to continue to be able to accompany him for a few more years. He needed it.” “When we are sick, the cat feels it, it really brings us something”, tell us the residents.
The rooms are fully furnished by the residents. Thérèse brought decorations and furniture from her home. “It helps to feel better. I have my flowers too. I feel like home.”
For the staff too, this mode of operation brings fulfilment. “We have nursing staff who cook with the residents. We have nurses who repaint the wall of a corridor with the residents. We share a lot of things. Something other than their job”rejoices Marie Neto, the director of the rest home.
In total, in Wallonia, about thirty nursing homes have joined this project.