Following their experience within The Hogeweyk® in the Netherlands, from which the Village was inspired, the members of Be Advice have been researching international initiatives for a different treatment of Alzheimer's disease. Their objective is to enrich themselves with experiences carried out around the world in order to be able to advise other project leaders who share the same care philosophy.
During their discovery of the establishment, the entire organization of the Village was detailed: presentation of the partners and bodies, the functioning of human resources and the economic model. Many of which were largely specific to French legislation. Yvonne van Amerongen pointed out in particular that in the Netherlands, «there are university courses dedicated to the care of patients with Alzheimer’s disease, unlike in France. Here it is the transversality and the sharing of knowledge and practices that bears fruit. It's a very interesting way of working.»
Medical, paramedical, volunteering, animation, families, organizational questions, nothing was set aside... Concerning research, the two teams from INSERM and INNVO'PAD also came to present their projects. Over half a day, more concrete exchanges on daily life in the village continued in the form of round tables. As observations were made during their stay in the village, the Dutch are convinced: «Here, all the teams are really involved in this new philosophy of support non-therapeutic and benevolent, it's impressive,» enthused Eloy van Hal.
"Finding alternative solutions to drugs is a real evolution of my work, it's an exciting challenge", testified Françoise Seray, in charge of o household and former home care assistant. The members of the delegation also welcomed this ability of the Village agents to develop their professional practices for the benefit of the Villagers. «Getting to the rhythm of each person is both the greatest challenge and the greatest satisfaction in the evolution of my practice», confirmed Jérémie Cordurié, nurse at the establishment.
At the end of these three busy days, Eloy Van Hal concluded: «It can be easy to copy the shape of an Alzheimer's village, but what is impressive here is how much the philosophy of care and support is thrust. We would have thought that France would be more reluctant to put in place certain aspects, in particular relating to the question of freedom to come and go independently... »
Since the opening of the establishment in June 2020, the interest of international observers has not decreased: Japanese journalists, Brazilian delegation of members of gerontology societies are already on the program for the next few months... The sharing of experiences and practices is an intimate part of of the Landais Alzheimer village project.
