Specialization
Focus of research
I am a senior researcher at Amsterdam UMC, department of Medicine for Older people and a (endowed) professor at the Amsterdam University of Applied Sciences.
My mission is to improve quality of care for older people. I advocate for personalized, proactive, and collaborative care, that meets the preferences of older people and their relatives. This enables older people to live independently for as long as possible, while ensuring timely transitions to palliative care when needed.
As people age and live longer with multiple chronic illnesses, care must evolve to be both person-centered and proactive. I explore how community care—especially district nursing—can respond effectively to these challenges. A central focus is on empowering all care professionals, especially nurses and nursing assistants, to be involved in improving quality of care.
My work focuses on:
Maintaining independence and quality of life at home, by providing appropriate support and anticipating future needs;
Early identification of palliative care needs, ensuring care is aligned with what matters most to the person;
Interprofessional collaboration, involving district nurses, caregivers, general practitioners, and other professionals in coordinated care;
The essential role of caregivers and nursing assistants, whose close relationships with clients often make them the first to notice subtle changes;
Interprofessional leanring and working in living labs
By connecting practice, education, and research, I am to improve care for older people now and for the future.