About us
Grown
on the
care farm.
De Mensch wants vulnerable people, including those with memory problems or dementia, to be able to lead a meaningful, active and dignified life.
Mission
A meaningful, active and dignified life for vulnerable people, including with dementia. And surroundings, at home and in care, that create the right conditions for it.
Vision
For vulnerable people, a meaningful life is often under threat and needs methodical support. Our approach builds on person-centred care and follows Prof. Erwin Böhm's psychobiographical method.
Not put away, but back to life!
Our story
From a study across Europe to a farm in Drunen.
"His vision is so clear that you understand it and can apply it straight away."
Dolf Becx on Prof. Erwin Böhm
- The startAs an adviser on liveability, Dolf studies model concepts for dementia care across Europe. In Luxembourg he sees the Böhm method at work.
- After thatThrough ENPP-Böhm in Germany he meets Prof. Böhm in Austria. Together with ENPP he translates the method into Dutch.
- After thatHellen Junggeburth-van Rooij becomes the first care entrepreneur in the Netherlands to commit fully to Böhm. All staff are trained and certified.
- 2015Zorgboerderij Giersbergen becomes the first certified Böhm organisation in the Netherlands.
- 2016Entrepreneur award from the industry association. Capacity grows, and new care services are developed with the municipality.
- 2018De Mensch is founded to offer the method professionally. Recognised by ENPP-Böhm and V&VN.
- 2025De Mensch continues under Consultancy Zorg Giersbergen. The course is relaunched online.
- TodayTraining, peer supervision and advice for teams across the Netherlands.
Team
The same drive, different paths.
The conviction that older people and people with memory problems and dementia have a right to a meaningful and happy life.
Dolf Becx
Historian, liveability adviser, certified Böhm trainer and adviser within ENPP-Böhm
Discovered the method in Luxembourg and translated it into Dutch together with ENPP. Worked on European innovation projects and develops new ways to help people live at home for longer.
"As a historian, the link between the lived past and present-day behaviour spoke to me straight away."
Hellen Junggeburth-van Rooij
Care entrepreneur and carer
Comes from a farming family and is driven by activating clients and their independence. Was the first in the Netherlands to choose Böhm.
Quality
Connected to the source.
ENPP-Böhm
De Mensch makes no scientific claims of its own, but is linked to the ENPP-Böhm quality institute in Germany for development and quality assurance.
ENPP-Böhm Netherlands register
Everyone who completes the foundation course is listed in the Dutch register of graduates.
V&VN
The course is accredited by V&VN.
European network
Every year, Böhm care providers from across Europe meet to share experiences.
A look around Zorgboerderij Giersbergen
Simply everyday life.
Washing, ironing, harvesting, woodworking. On the farm you see the method in daily life: people doing what is normal to them.
Come and meet us
on the farm.
The best way to understand Böhm is to see it. Book an introduction with Dolf, on site or online.
