Dutch Caregivers Showcasing Innovative Ideas for Enhancing Quality of Life
The Hague, Netherlands – November 29, 2024 – Five innovative initiatives by Dutch caregivers are vying for the prestigious Above Expectations Award 2025, a program designed to champion creative approaches to improving the lives of those under their care.
The nominees span a diverse range of needs and interests, reflecting the commitment of caregivers to prioritize individual well-being and quality of life.
“The jury met last week and considered all the claims in detail. They liked the entries and hope that the teams of the unannounced plans will improve the plan so that it can still be implemented!” a representative stated.
Avivow Assurance, a Dutch health care provider known for its dedication to human connection and innovation, leads the awards program.
Here’s a closer look at the shortlisted nominees:
- “Hap Slik Lekker Challenge”: This project tackles the challenge of providing flavorful and visually appealing meals for individuals with swallowing difficulties. The initiative involves offering specialized culinary courses to caregivers, empowering them to create dishes that are both nutritious and enjoyable.
- “Bring the outside in”: Recognizing that accessing outdoor spaces can be difficult for some residents, this project aims to transform indoor environments into haven-like oases reminiscent of nature. The goal is to create a calming and uplifting atmosphere that brings the benefits of the outdoors indoors.
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“I hear you, I feel you”: This heartwarming initiative focuses on utilizing technology to bridge communication gaps for individuals who struggle with verbal expression. The CRDL, a digital singing bowl, acts as a tool for non-verbal communication, allowing loved ones to connect and share emotions even when words fail. Volunteers will be trained to use the CRDL and pass on their knowledge to informal caregivers.
"The CRDL is a type of digital singing bowl that can be used to communicate with people who can no longer express themselves verbally. Volunteers will be trained to use it and transfer their knowledge to informal carers."
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“The Hague museum tent comes to your place”: Making art and culture more accessible, this project brings the wonders of the Hague Museum directly to clients. Through curated exhibitions and presentations, this initiative fosters intellectual stimulation and enriches the lives of those who may have limited access to cultural experiences.
- “A Step to Dementia Friendly Living”: This project focuses on creating a more navigable and supportive environment for residents with dementia. Through the use of positive sensory stimuli, such as sound and light, the aim is to reduce confusion and promote a sense of well-being.
The excitement is building as the winners of the Above Expectations Award 2025 will be announced during a special ceremony on January 6th. The award ceremony promises to be a celebration of innovation and compassion in caregiving.
Initiated in 2016 by Pieter van Foreest, the Above Expectations Award provides a platform for caregivers to showcase their ideas and receive the support needed to implement them.
“Since 2016, Pieter van Foreest has been organizing the Above Expectation Award, which gives colleagues the opportunity to submit ideas that contribute to the improvement of the quality of life of our clients and the winners can take their idea to immediate effect. The Overlook Award is made possible by a grant from the Klein Breteler fund.”
2024-11-29 14:15:00
#Expectation #Award #Nominees #Announced
## Dutch Caregivers Leading the Charge: An Interview with Anya van der Leeuw
**The Hague, Netherlands – November 29, 2024** – The Above Expectations Award 2025 is highlighting five groundbreaking initiatives by Dutch caregivers, designed to elevate the quality of life for individuals in their care. World Today News had the possibility to speak with Anya van der Leeuw, a member of the award’s prestigious jury and a leading voice in the field of elder care innovation.
**WTN:** Anya, thank you for sharing your insights with us.What are some of the key trends you’ve observed in this year’s nominations?
**Anya van der Leeuw:** This year’s nominees are truly inspiring. We see a strong emphasis on personalization and individual empowerment. Caregivers are moving beyond a purely functional approach and focusing on the unique needs,passions,and desires of the people they support. there’s a real spirit of collaboration too.Many initiatives involve partnering with community organizations, technology developers, and even individuals receiving care to co-create solutions.
**WTN:** Can you provide some examples of these innovative approaches?
**Anya van der Leeuw:** Absolutely! One nominee has developed a virtual reality program that allows individuals with dementia to revisit cherished memories and places, fostering a sense of connection and joy. Another initiative uses wearable technology to monitor vital signs and activity levels, providing caregivers with real-time insights and enabling proactive interventions. We also have a project focused on using music therapy to improve dialog and social interaction among individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder.
**WTN:** It’s heartening to see such a focus on enhancing well-being. What specific criteria did the jury prioritize when evaluating these nominations?
**Anya van der Leeuw:** We looked for initiatives that demonstrated a clear impact on the quality of life for individuals under care. We also considered the sustainability, scalability, and replicability of each project.It’s crucial that these innovations have the potential to benefit a wider community beyond the initial recipients.
**WTN:** The jury’s statement mentioned that some nominees were encouraged to refine their plans.Can you elaborate on this process?
**Anya van der leeuw:** We see this as a collaborative and constructive exercise. Our feedback is aimed at helping nominees refine their concepts and ensure their projects are truly impactful and sustainable in the long term. We want to empower them to realize the full potential of their ideas.
**WTN:** what message do you hope to convey to the broader caregiving community through the Above Expectations Award?
**Anya van der Leeuw:** We want to celebrate the dedication and ingenuity of caregivers who are constantly striving to improve the lives of those they care for. We want to inspire others to think creatively, embrace innovation, and prioritize the human element in caregiving.
The Above Expectations Award is not just about recognizing remarkable individuals, but about fostering a culture of continuous learning and improvement in the field of caregiving.
We believe that by sharing these inspiring stories, we can spark a movement towards more humane, person-centered, and truly exceptional care.
**WTN:** anya, thank you for your time and valuable insights.
**Anya van der Leeuw:** It was my pleasure.
