Deputy Minister Plenipotentiary Hon. Josianne Fleming-Artsen recently met with representatives from the Laurens Beukelaar home for demented persons located in the Dutch municipality of Rotterdam.
The Laurens Beukelaar home was represented in the meeting by Ruthmila Cicilia, founder, Michiel Versteegh, architect and Lloyd Vera, project manager.
Deputy Minister Plenipotentiary Fleming-Artsen said that the concept of the project is very impressive. "The organization has constructed a building to house persons from six different cultural backgrounds.
"The concept allows the six different cultures to live as they would do back in their own country. The way the unit is established allows for individual independent living. They have their own kitchens etc.
"Caribbean people cook according to their culture and the Indians do the same as well as Moroccans and Turks. The living rooms are also decorated according to their cultural heritage.
"Their living environment has been made comfortable which allows them to really feel at home and this helps with them in coping with their dementia," Deputy Minister Plenipotentiary Hon. Josianne Fleming-Artsen said on Sunday.
Minister Fleming-Artsen added that it was an inspiration to see how these persons come alive and is able to enjoy their culture, keep their traditions, enjoy their festivities and events, and is cared for in the most respectful manner.
"This is a great example of how cultures can age together and live together and enjoy their last days. Happy people live longer and in the Laurens Beukelaar there is enormous respect for the different cultures, which live together and yet separate," Deputy Minster Plenipotentiary Hon. Josianne Fleming-Artsen said on Sunday.
PHOTO CUTLINE photo1: L to R, Deputy Minister Plenipotentiary Hon. Josianne Fleming-Artsen (right) meeting with the representatives of the Laurens Beukelaar home.
PHOTO CUTLINE photo2: Deputy Minister Plenipotentiary Hon. Josianne Fleming-Artsen (left) standing next to one of the residents at the Laurens Beukelaar home.