Assen is getting a special housing project for elderly people with dementia. The Herbergier, a small-scale facility where demented elderly people can live in complete freedom, will open next week on Molenstraat – after a year of construction. Although it is under the watchful eye of the innkeepers Marianne Grimberg (57) and John Smit (55), who will also live there themselves.
The couple is the ‘rock in the surf’ for the people with dementia, who have to find their new home there. The principle of the Innkeeper is to let people with memory problems live there in complete freedom, that they mainly do things that they like and are able to do, and above all not lock the door.
“We want to keep people active, that’s healthy. Let them work with their talent. If they like to help in the kitchen, shell beans, peel potatoes or whatever, that’s possible. And if they want to be busy with other activities, like flower arranging, we’ll arrange that. If they want to hang out in the living room, play a game, that’s all possible. But nothing is obligatory,” says Marianne Grimberg.
The residents also do not have to adhere to a strict daily rhythm. For example, there is breakfast from eight to ten, where they can join whenever they want. “No, don’t compare it to a care hotel, you won’t just be pampered here. We do want to keep people active. But if you feel like sleeping in, or if you want breakfast in bed, that can be arranged “Flexibility is a great asset, and our employees adapt to the people. It’s about customization. All residents who come to live here must be able to be themselves, it’s about their well-being,” says Grimberg.
The small-scale residential facility has seventeen apartments, with all the trimmings, except for a private kitchen. Because cooking your own meal is no longer an option. “That’s too dangerous with people with dementia.” Two apartments in the complex are suitable for couples. The eighteenth residence, at the back of the complex on the ground floor, is intended as a staff residence. The Herbergiers couple live there themselves.
Watch the report about the Herbergier in Assen below, text continues below the video