Dementia and Farm Life: An interview with Gerke de Boer and Annie Herder

In this interview Gerke de Boer and Annie Herder describe Cornelia Hoeve, which is an old farm house that is now home to twelve people living with dementia. The philosophy of Cornelia Hoeve is centered on stimulation, wellbeing, personal freedom, and the unique qualities of each patient. Cornelie Hoeve is designed to make life pleasant for residents. Residents can walk in the garden, help with daily households chores, and live with a great deal of independence. For example, they can decide when to wake up and where they would like to eat their meals. Staff have strong relationships with the residents, making farm life easier overall.