Hospice De Vier Vogels - Mathenesserlaan 424B

I´ve been staying at the Vier Vogel for one month, as a resident in palliative care. It’s a place where I feels very safe and taken care of, physically and mentally. I do feel I am in “good hands” The place is small, quiet, with a zen atmostphere. It might get a bit too noisy sometimes during the day depending on other residents and their visitors’ behaviors, but so far, that’s the only negative point I can find. The building at night is extremely quiet. Two coordinators relay each other during the week to organize the work of the volunteers and solve many issues. They are available to discuss the slightest issue. They do help families and residents with end of life information, and how to find information and competent teams, for end of life issues or medical or paramedical issues. A team of nurses relay each other and one nurse is present in permanence to the site. Nurses are all very skilled and have a long experience working in palliative care. They relay with medical teams including highly specialized palliative committees when necessary. They work very efficiently and take time to listen and ensure that we have a minimum amount of pain or symptoms. My wishes as a patient are always respected. The focus is entirely on quality of life (not on treatments) so the approach is very different from the one from a hospital. Many volunteers relay each other and enable the place to run smoothly. I am very admirative of the extraordinary work they accomplish. Many of them are very skilled, discrete, compassionate, because they have a long history of working to this place. Sometimes however, they are not numerous enough. This doesn’t impair the quality of the service as far I’ve experience, mostly because there is “core” of volunteers who have years of experience working for Vier Vogels. They get along well and are well organized. They cook, do the laundry and other numerous tasks like ensuring there are nice bouquets of flowers and nice smells and candles in the house. The atmosphere remains cozy, agreeable, respectful but also joyful and not depressing. I love this place because of its people, a certain zen philosophy (but all religions are represented and welcome) but also because of the old house itself. I like the fact that it feels like the entire home is accessible. I do not need to stay in my own bedroom, there is room to move around the house and feel like the entire house is also my house. A small garden is available as well as a large veranda which provide space to meet with family, have a lunch or diner with them eventually. There is also a large room at the first floor where it’s also possible to gather with the family on sofas or for a diner on a large wooden table. It’s an old house where noise travel may be a bit too easily, but it feels home after a few days.