“Change is not the result of an individual, but the achievement of a collective.”
Teun Toebes (26) is an international healthcare innovator and humanitarian activist. At the age of 21, he decided to live in the closed ward of a nursing home for three and a half years. By not only observing people with dementia, but also living with them permanently, he learned not only to listen to a voice that has long gone unheard, but also how we can fundamentally change our system. The need for a more nuanced view of dementia and better way of living together forms the start of the global movement of Human Forever.
Because Toebes believes that dementia is not a care problem but a societal issue, the internationally award-winning film 'Human Forever' marks a new chapter in his mission. To this end, Toebes decided to join forces with filmmaker and valued friend Jonathan de Jong to bring this hopeful message about dementia to the world stage. The film was awarded the prestigious Golden Calf, premiered during a G20 summit and has now been released in over 30 countries.
In the meanwhile, two international bestsellers have been published, the first of which, 'The Housemates', debuted at number 1 in the bestseller lists and has now been released in 14 countries. The book 'Human Forever' expands on the film and is currently being distributed around the world.
Building on his life's mission, Toebes formed a vision that focuses on a human perspective on dementia, the humanization of care, and putting quality of life at the centre. Because striving for zero risk, results in zero life. His focus extends beyond dementia alone and is aimed at building an inclusive society with strong, engaged communities founded on relationships and belonging. To change this narrative, he believes that looking differently leads to doing differently.
Therefore, Toebes has given more than a thousand talks at national and international conferences and is a regular presence in the media. He advises politicians, organizations and governments and has developed a global voice by connecting generations and perspectives. In this way, he aims to strengthen and continue positive forces of change.
Teun Toebes was born in Best, a village in the south of the Netherlands, and is the eldest of a family of four children. He is now based in Amsterdam and has a background in nursing, care ethics and policy. Still rooted in the practice of healthcare, he is also co-founder of the Article 25 Foundation.
Media
Verkenner Wouter Koolmees adviseert D66 en CDA om te werken aan een inhoudelijke agenda over hervormingen in de zorg en sociale zekerheid...
Zoals jullie weten zet ik mijzelf al jaren in voor onze zorg.
