Hof der dingen - Het Ventiel: Caring for each other

Yes, sir, yes ma’am — West Flanders is the birthplace of countless Flandries like Briek Schotte, Freddy Maertens, and Johan Museeuw. Cycling runs through our veins. 

But we’re also the province where organisations like Het Ventiel are located. They take care of people living with young-onset dementia. Their background story is equally deserving of the spotlight. 

When Patrick De Jaegere from Hulste was diagnosed with young-onset dementia at the young age of 50, the news hit his entire circle of family and friends hard. His wife, Gudrun Callewaert, had sensed for some time that something wasn’t quite right. Her husband had become insecure, moody, and often made excuses to avoid meeting up with loved ones. One day, he called her in a panic from work, stating that he just couldn’t cope anymore. After several doctor's visits, they received the diagnosis: frontotemporal dementia. The news landed like a punch in the gut. 

Despite being diagnosed so early, Patrick and Gudrun chose to speak up. Together, they founded Het Ventiel, a project aimed at breaking the isolation often faced by people with youngonset dementia. The non-profit organisation has a succesful buddy programme for those living with the condition. Things that once felt impossible to do alone can now be enjoyed again – with a buddy by your side. 

Group activities include museum visits, creative workshops, and exercising together, while oneon-one outings range from a trip to the market, a walk or bike ride, a trip to a local pub or gardening together. 

Every now and then, Het Ventiel takes on a bigger challenge – just to push their limits. In 2013, they conquered the Mont Ventoux - a mountain that gained fime through its inclusion in the Tour de France cycling race. 

Radio personality Jan Hautekiet serves as chairman of the non-profit, and well-known names like Rick de Leeuw, Wim Opbrouck, Koen Buyse, Bart Schols, and Xavier Taveirne proudly support the project. They all share one common goal: to speak up about young-onset dementia, and to help those affected enjoy the best possible quality of life — for as long as possible. 

Curious to learn more? Visit www.hetventiel.be