The Housemates: Everything One Young Student Learnt about Love, Care and Dementia from Living in a Nursing Home

The Housemates is an international bestseller that tells the story of Teun Toebes, a 21-year-old nursing student who moves into a nursing home to experience the daily life of elderly residents. He initiates fun activities and becomes aware of how society and the care system diminish the elderly, leading him to call for change in how we care for the elderly.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 256 pages
Publication date: 03 August 2023
Publisher: September Publishing

The Housemates is an international bestseller that tells the uplifting story of cross-generational living and friendship. Twenty-one-year-old nursing student Teun Toebes, driven by curiosity and financial constraints, made the bold decision to move into a nursing home and live as a housemate among the elderly residents. This unconventional choice would profoundly impact both Teun's life and the lives of his newfound friends.

Teun initiated a series of events that brought joy and companionship to the nursing home. He organized Friday drinks, planned trips out, and even organized camping evenings. Through these activities, Teun reintroduced pleasure in the simplest things: a hearty laugh, a graceful dance, a sip of good coffee, and the opportunity to bask in the warmth of the sun. As he became deeply embedded in the community, Teun grew increasingly aware of the societal and care system's disregard for the elderly, particularly those living with dementia.

Determined to make a change, Teun embarked on a personal journey to advocate for better care for the elderly. He spoke out against the marginalization and neglect that often accompanied aging and dementia. His story resonated with readers, and The Housemates became a number 1 bestseller in the Netherlands.

Through his experiences as a housemate and his unwavering commitment to advocating for change, Teun Toebes inspires us to reevaluate our attitudes towards aging and dementia. His heartfelt cry for a more compassionate and inclusive care system is a testament to the power of friendship, empathy, and the determination to make a difference in the lives of others.

Weight: 174g
Dimension: 126 x 198 x 15 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781914613395