WhatsApp Aruba nr. 5619671
Holistic Elderly Care & Dementia Care Solutions
Expert Care for Geriatric & Dementia Support
BON BINI! Caring for You Always.
Welcome! Our Care Promise
Welcome to The Flametree & Hummingbird vba, your trusted partner in elderly care, dementia support, and care facilities management. Our team of specialists delivers tailored health strategies and operational excellence to improve quality of life. Discover our comprehensive services today.
Achieve Optimal Elderly Health Today
Transform Your Health with The Flametree & Hummingbird vba Health Consulting
At The Flametree & Hummingbird vba, we believe that good health is the foundation for a happy life. Our team of experienced health consultants are dedicated to helping you achieve optimal health and wellness through evidence-based practices. Whether you are looking to lose weight, improve your fitness, or manage a chronic condition, we are here to support you every step of the way.
Ready to Get Started?
Contact us today to schedule your free consultation and learn how we can help you achieve your health goals.
BON BINI, BON DIA, BON TARDI, BON NOCHI!
Expert Care & Facility Services
Both Nienke and Remo are dedicated to providing personalized services that cater to your unique needs, whether it's elderly care management or care-related facilities management.
The personal touch
Meet Dr. Nienke
How Can Dr. Nienke Assist?
How Can Dr. Nienke Assist?
DR. NIENKE'S PRACTICE
Contact and Services
Dr. Nienke’s Practice can be reached via the contact form on this website or by telephone. Consultations and services are available Monday through Friday during regular office hours.
As every client has unique needs, care is tailored to each client. We offer flexible service packages tailored to each client's specific care requirements, wishes, and circumstances. Dr. Nienke’s Practice is an independent private practice, and fees are based on an hourly rate or an agreed care package.
Who is Dr. Nienke?
Dr. Nienke Kock-Smits is a Specialist in Geriatric Medicine with extensive international experience. She is the daughter of two physicians specialized in tropical medicine and was born in Tanzania. During her childhood, she lived in several countries, interspersed with periods in the Netherlands. Growing up in diverse cultural environments, attending international schools, and learning multiple languages fostered her interest in medicine and her desire to work internationally.
Dr. Nienke completed her medical degree at the University of Amsterdam and subsequently specialized in Geriatric Medicine at the Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam. During her career in the Netherlands, she worked in somatic care, rehabilitation medicine, psychogeriatric care, and held management positions within various nursing home organizations.
Since 2011, Dr. Nienke has been living and working in Aruba as a Specialist in Geriatric Medicine. In addition to her clinical work, she has been actively involved in education and professional development. She has trained caregivers and nurses in innovative models of elderly care. She has served as a trainer in chronic care programs for general practitioners, IMSAN, and Amsterdam UMC (formerly VUmc).
Dr. Nienke has also supervised and mentored more than 80 general practice residents during their chronic care placements, contributing significantly to the development of healthcare professionals in both Aruba and the Netherlands.
Quality and Professional Standards
Quality of care is at the heart of Dr. Nienke’s Practice. Clinical care is guided by evidence-based protocols and guidelines developed by VERENSO, the Dutch professional association for Specialists in Geriatric Medicine.
Dr. Nienke is officially registered as a Specialist in Geriatric Medicine in both Aruba (AruBIG) and the Netherlands (BIG register), ensuring adherence to the highest professional and ethical standards of medical practice.
The practice is committed to providing compassionate, personalized, and high-quality care, with a focus on maintaining quality of life, independence, and dignity for older adults and vulnerable individuals.
How Can Dr. Nienke Assist?
How Can Dr. Nienke Assist?
How Can Dr. Nienke Assist?
DIAGNOSTICS
Are there any problems with memory or daily activities? Does your father or mother wander off? Is your auntie not aware anymore what is happening around her? Are there dementia related issues involved?
Diagnostics is a big part of knowing where to look for answers to help your loved one.
MENTAL COMPETENCE (COMPOS MENTIS)
Are there any doubts about somebody's capability to handle their own business? Can they still take correct decisions, comprehend relevant information, and take the right decisions for their situation? Can they think logically and see the difference between right and wrong?
Is there a case of a loved one with actitud and behavior which is incomprehensible or difficult? Are they not willing to accept the care given? Are there coping problems? Which role does the environment play in this?
PROBLEM BEHAVIOR
Is there a case of a loved one with actitud and behavior which is incomprehensible or difficult? Are they not willing to accept the care given? Are there coping problems? Which role does the environment play in this? Do you have a diagnosis?
TRAINING AND PRESENTATIONS
Do you have a need to have more information regarding demencia or how to cope with a family member? Or more in-depth knowledge regarding geriatric medicine or chronic diseases?
Dr. Nienke can help!
Why The Flametree & Hummingbird?
The name Flame Tree & Hummingbird reflects the values at the heart of our practice.
The Flame Tree is known for its strength, resilience, and vibrant presence. It provides shelter and stands firmly through changing seasons, symbolizing stability, wisdom, and support. These qualities are especially important when caring for older adults and individuals facing complex health challenges.
The Hummingbird, though small, is remarkable for its energy, adaptability, and ability to bring life and movement wherever it goes. It symbolizes hope, compassion, attention to detail, and the positive impact that thoughtful care can have on a person's wellbeing.Together, the Flame Tree and Hummingbird represent a balance of strength and gentleness, expertise and compassion, stability and flexibility. They reflect our commitment to providing personalized, high-quality care that supports both individuals and their families through every stage of life.For an Aruban audience, you could also add a local touch:
Inspired by the beauty of Aruba's natural environment, the Flame Tree and Hummingbird symbolize the combination of strength, resilience, vitality, and compassion that guides our approach to care. We believe that good healthcare is not only about treating illness, but also about supporting quality of life, dignity, and meaningful connections.
Our Story
Who We Are
What We Offer
Our Purpose
Welcome to Flametree & Hummingbird, your trusted partner in compassionate geriatric care. Led by experts, we provide personalized support to enhance the quality of life for Elderly Citizens at home.
Our Purpose
What We Offer
Our Purpose
At The Flametree & Hummingbird vba, we specialize in geriatric medicine and elderly care management. Our team provides tailored solutions to improve quality of life for senior citizens, whether at home or in care facilities. Trust us to enhance your organization’s standards and deliver compassionate support.
What We Offer
What We Offer
What We Offer
At The Flametree & Hummingbird vba, we are passionate about transforming elderly care through expert consulting. Led by Dr. Nienke and Remo, our team brings decades of experience in geriatric medicine, facilities management, and quality assurance. We are dedicated to helping care providers and organizations elevate their standards and deliver compassionate support.
Our Method
What We Offer
What We Offer
At The Flametree & Hummingbird VBA, we are a dedicated management consultancy specializing in elderly care and facilities management. Our team combines medical expertise and operational experience to deliver comprehensive solutions that improve quality of life for seniors. We work closely with care providers to ensure standards are met and exceeded.
Elderly Management Support
Expert Support for Care Institutions
Dr. Nienke is available for companies and care institutions seeking consultations, short-term observations, workshops, trainings, and projects that require specific expertise in general geriatrics, palliative care, and dementia-related illnesses. Her services also encompass facilities management in the context of elderly care, ensuring that care environments meet the necessary standards for quality and accessibility.
**GERIATRIC EXPERTISE**
Dr. Nienke provides her expertise to companies and care institutions for consultations (contracted or in-call), short-term observations, workshops, trainings, and projects necessitating specialized knowledge in general geriatrics, palliative care, and dementia.
**DEMENTIA TRAINING AND WORKSHOPS**
Training is available for anyone interested in learning how to manage dementia, which includes both theoretical knowledge and practical skills. The foundation of her approach is that a positive perspective yields positive outcomes.
Every individual deserves access to healthcare (WHO) and a quality life. The question remains: how can we achieve this?
- Dementia may affect anyone; how do we respond?
- What is the experience of living with dementia?
- Dementia does not strip individuals of their dignity; rather, it is our reactions and the environment that can do so.
- How can we make society more accessible for individuals with dementia?
- How can people lead safe and responsible lives at home for as long as possible?
Individuals with dementia cannot be held accountable for their condition; their ability to process stimuli diminishes. While learning new information becomes challenging, the emotional needs for social interaction, love, and intimacy remain. As individuals with dementia regress to earlier memories, they may experience anxiety and insecurity due to the increasing dependency on their environment, ultimately requiring 24/7 care.
**1½ LINE CARE (Anderhalvelijnszorg)**
Dr. Nienke is actively establishing a private network of professionals in the 1st line care sector in Aruba, aiming to address the complex care needs within the chronic care market. This initiative promotes collaboration among medical and paramedical professionals to provide home-based treatments for clients and their families.
**Understanding Care Levels**
The healthcare industry recognizes the terms primary and secondary care, which are well understood. Primary care is characterized by its accessibility, allowing individuals to seek care without a referral. Examples include general practitioners, dentists, and physiotherapists. Secondary care requires a referral from a general practitioner and includes specialized medical services provided in hospitals. Recently, a new category has emerged: one-and-a-half-line care, which serves as a bridge between primary and secondary care, highlighting the importance of cooperation between practitioners.
**Defining One-and-a-Half-Line Care**
As the aging population grows, the number of elderly patients is increasing, leading to a rising demand for care. To maintain affordable healthcare, an intermediate care form has emerged. One-and-a-half-line care encompasses collaborations between general practitioners and geriatric specialists, where specialists offer treatment advice to general practitioners, facilitating accessible care close to home.
**What Does One-and-a-Half-Line Care Entail?**
This care model fosters partnerships between general practitioners and medical specialists, promoting knowledge exchange. As the care needs for chronic conditions rise, the primary focus remains on the patient’s interests. One-and-a-half-line care merges the accessibility of primary care with the specialized knowledge of secondary care, enabling more efficient healthcare organization and helping to manage rising healthcare expenditures. Thus, Dr. Nienke can provide effective home healthcare, allowing clients to remain at home as long as possible.
One-and-a-half-line care operates at the intersection of primary and secondary care, emphasizing coordination, collaboration, and knowledge sharing between primary care providers—such as general practitioners—and secondary care providers, like geriatric medicine specialists, to deliver optimal home care services. This partnership is vital in ensuring quality care for elderly patients.
In geriatric medicine, one-and-a-half-line care is already widely utilized, as general practitioners and other healthcare providers work together to coordinate care and enhance service quality. Terms like chain care and network care also describe these collaborative efforts. Dr. Nienke collaborates with medical and paramedical specialists to deliver the best care for her clients.
Working Together for Better Elder Care
Partnering for Elderly Care Excellence
Dr. Nienke is available for companies and care institutions seeking consultations, short-term observations, workshops, trainings, and projects that require specific expertise in general geriatrics, palliative care, and dementia-related illnesses. Her services also encompass facilities management in the context of elderly care, ensuring that care environments meet the necessary standards for quality and accessibility.
**GERIATRIC EXPERTISE**
Dr. Nienke provides her expertise to companies and care institutions for consultations (contracted or in-call), short-term observations, workshops, trainings, and projects necessitating specialized knowledge in general geriatrics, palliative care, and dementia.
**DEMENTIA**
Every individual deserves access to healthcare (WHO) and a quality life. The question remains: how can we achieve this?
- Dementia may affect anyone; how do we respond?
- What is the experience of living with dementia?
- Dementia does not strip individuals of their dignity;
rather, it is our reactions and the environment that can do so.
- How can we make society more accessible for individuals with dementia?
- How can people lead safe and responsible lives at home for as long as possible?
Individuals with dementia cannot be held accountable for their condition; their ability to process stimuli diminishes. While learning new information becomes challenging, the emotional needs for social interaction, love, and intimacy remain. As individuals with dementia regress to earlier memories, they may experience anxiety and insecurity due to the increasing dependency on their environment, ultimately requiring 24/7 care.
Dr. Nienke is actively establishing a private network of professionals in the 1st line care sector in Aruba, aiming to address the complex care needs within the chronic care market. This initiative promotes collaboration among medical and paramedical professionals to provide home-based treatments for clients and their families.
**Understanding Care Levels: Primary, Secondary, and One-and-a-Half Care**
The healthcare industry recognizes the terms primary and secondary care, which are well understood. Primary care is characterized by its accessibility, allowing individuals to seek care without a referral. Examples include general practitioners, dentists, and physiotherapists. Secondary care requires a referral from a general practitioner and includes specialized medical services provided in hospitals. Recently, a new category has emerged: one-and-a-half-line care, which serves as a bridge between primary and secondary care, highlighting the importance of cooperation between practitioners.
One-and-a-half-line care operates at the intersection of primary and secondary care, emphasizing coordination, collaboration, and knowledge sharing between primary care providers—such as general practitioners—and secondary care providers, like geriatric medicine specialists, to deliver optimal home care services. This partnership is vital in ensuring quality care for elderly patients.
In geriatric medicine, one-and-a-half-line care is already widely utilized, as general practitioners and other healthcare providers work together to coordinate care and enhance service quality. Terms like chain care and network care also describe these collaborative efforts. Dr. Nienke collaborates with medical and paramedical specialists to deliver the best care for her clients.
Client-Centered Care
Personal Care & Support Services
Dr. Nienke provides her expertise to companies and care institutions for consultations (contracted or in-call), short-term observations, workshops, trainings, and projects necessitating specialized knowledge in general geriatrics, palliative care, and dementia.
If you need more information about dementia, chronic care management, or how to support a client’s family member, Dr. Nienke can create custom training programs. She frequently presents at conferences, sharing insights on geriatric medicine, palliative care management, and chronic diseases, all crucial aspects of effective zorgmanagement (care management).
Every individual deserves access to healthcare (WHO) and a quality life. The question remains: how can we achieve this?
- Dementia may affect anyone; how do we respond?
- What is the experience of living with dementia?
- Dementia does not strip individuals of their dignity; rather, it is our reactions and the environment that can do so.
- How can we make society more accessible for individuals with dementia?
- How can people lead safe and responsible lives at home for as long as possible?
Individuals with dementia cannot be held accountable for their condition; their ability to process stimuli diminishes. While learning new information becomes challenging, the emotional needs for social interaction, love, and intimacy remain. As individuals with dementia regress to earlier memories, they may experience anxiety and insecurity due to the increasing dependency on their environment, ultimately requiring 24/7 care.
Dr. Nienke is actively establishing a private network of professionals in the 1st line care sector in Aruba, aiming to address the complex care needs within the chronic care market. This initiative promotes collaboration among medical and paramedical professionals to provide home-based treatments for clients and their families.
As the aging population grows, the number of elderly patients is increasing, leading to a rising demand for care. To maintain affordable healthcare, an intermediate care form has emerged. One-and-a-half-line care encompasses collaborations between general practitioners and geriatric specialists, where specialists offer treatment advice to general practitioners, facilitating accessible care close to home.
As the care needs for chronic conditions rise, the primary focus remains on the patient’s interests. One-and-a-half-line care merges the accessibility of primary care with the specialized knowledge of secondary care, enabling more efficient healthcare organization and helping to manage rising healthcare expenditures. Thus, Dr. Nienke can provide effective home healthcare, allowing clients to remain at home as long as possible. Dr. Nienke collaborates with medical and paramedical specialists to deliver the best care for her clients.