From healthcare provider to healthcare entrepreneur

Hans Eckeman brings his vision of elderly care to life in an old abbey

In the Walloon municipality of Aiseau-Presles, close to Charlerloi (Belgium), one of the most impressive residential care centers in the country is under construction. Or as project developer Hans Eckeman prefers to call it, a care hotel.

Once a caregiver himself, but now with decades of experience in running and expanding residential care centers, Hans knows better than anyone how the care sector works and sees masses of potential for improvement.

"The abbey has a powerful history, built in 1198 around Marie d'Oignies, believed to be the world's very first beguine. An ancient treasure was also made there, the “Madonna with child” of which is on display at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York. That we now get to enrich that history and make it the most modern and digitized healthcare building is an amazingly beautiful contrast."

​Hans Eckeman,  Project developer Abbaye d’Oignies

He and four friends now bringthat knowledge and passion together in “Abbaye d'Oignies.

“You wouldn't guess at first that the abbey will become a residential care center. Seniors also deserve to be surrounded remain surrounded by beauty and quality."

The magic of a care hotel

A welcoming place that brings generations together

“I'm a big advocate of multigenerational living. The more you bring generations together, the better it is for each other. And that's especially true for older people. Staying surrounded by (young) people makes them happier.” 

“Abbaye d'Oignies will be a place where children and grandchildren love to visit, and not just because they have to. For example, there is the large abbey garden with unusual birds to visit. In the afternoon they can picnic together and treasure hunts are also organized. Local scout clubs and daycare centers are also welcome here.” 

We want to encourage a joie de vivre in every  possible way. Because enjoying life ultimately leads - it has been proven - to a longer life.

Something to look forward to every day

And living your old age the way you want it

In addition to engaging visitors, there is a range of joint projects and activities. In the cellars of the abbey, beer is brewed and chicory is grown together with the residents. That beer can be tasted by young and old in the abbey's trendy bar. The courtyard becomes a stage for classical and less classical concerts.

“All these initiatives give residents something to look forward to, an extra purpose in their lives. That, by the way, is the approach of the care hotel as a whole: to give people dignity and purpose. We don't push them into a system, but offer them a system that adapts to them. Like the modular customized rooms or the possibility of short stays."

Maintaining independence and dignity is essential. 
We want care to be there when you need it, and especially not there at times when you don't want it.

Technology as a facilitator 

Building a future without a concern for care

A final important point is to integrate as much innovative healthcare technology as possible into the building from the beginning. For example, all rooms are equipped with Nobi's smart AI lights. First of all, a great tool in terms off all prevention and detection, which greatly eases the work of caregivers. But Nobi also has the potential to be the central care hub of each room, to which care devices and apps connect seamlessly. 

“That technology is a huge breakthrough for the future of care. It guarantees safety, peace, comfort and confidence for both residents and those who care for them. Ask anyone who has a role in caregiving: that feeling is priceless.”

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