Co-Creating nursing homes that we will want to live in.

Introduction: Setting the Scene

Have you ever thought about where you’d want to live as you age? For many, the thought of a nursing home brings images of sterile hallways, isolation, and a lack of personal touch. It’s a place most of us hope we’ll never have to consider for ourselves or our loved ones. But what if we could change that perception? What if we could co-create nursing homes that are not just places to stay but places to live, where people can truly thrive? This is my passion—co-creating nursing homes that we are all willing to live in.

The Vision: A New Approach to Nursing Homes

Imagine a place where the smell of fresh coffee greets you in the morning, where laughter echoes through the halls, and where every resident is known not just by their name but by

their story. A place where staff members are more like family, and the activities are designed around what residents truly enjoy. This is the vision I have for nursing homes—a vision of community, dignity, and purpose.

Co-creating such an environment means putting residents at the heart of everything we do. It means designing spaces that feel like home, offering personalized care, and creating opportunities for meaningful interactions. It’s about breaking away from the traditional, institutional model and reimagining what aging can look like.

Challenges and Opportunities

Of course, this transformation is not without its challenges. Many traditional nursing homes are constrained by rigid structures, limited resources, and a culture that prioritizes efficiency over individuality. Residents often experience a loss of autonomy and a sense of disconnect from the world around them.

But these challenges also present opportunities. We have the chance to re-evaluate and redesign how care is delivered. By embracing new models of care that prioritize resident involvement, by leveraging technology to enhance connection and engagement, and by fostering a culture of empathy and respect, we can create environments where people are not just surviving but thriving.

Examples of Success: Inspiration from Around the World

There are already shining examples around the world that show us what’s possible. In the Netherlands, the “Hogeweyk Dementia Village” has redefined dementia care by creating a small village where residents live a normal life in a safe and supportive environment. In Denmark, nursing homes focus on creating a community atmosphere, with open kitchens, communal dining, and a strong emphasis on social activities.

These examples show that it is possible to move away from the traditional model and towards something that feels more like home. They inspire us to think creatively and to believe that we can do better for our older adults.

The Path Forward: How Can We Co-Create?

Co-creating the nursing homes of the future requires collaboration and innovation. It means listening to the voices of residents, families, and staff, and being open to new ideas. It means starting small, with pilot projects and feedback loops, and being willing to adapt and change.

We can begin by rethinking the physical spaces in nursing homes to make them more inviting and less institutional. We can create more opportunities for residents to engage in activities they love and connect with the community. And most importantly, we can shift the focus from what is convenient for the system to what is meaningful for the residents.

Conclusion: A Call to Action

Changing the way we think about nursing homes won’t happen overnight. But with passion, perseverance, and a willingness to innovate, we can create environments where our loved ones—and ourselves—can truly feel at home. Let’s work together to make nursing homes places where people are not only willing to live but excited to be.

I invite you to join me on this journey. Share your thoughts, your experiences, and your ideas. Together, we can reimagine what it means to age, and co-create nursing homes that we would all be proud to call home.