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A hospice in Amsterdam (2005)

At the end of Van Goghstraat in Amsterdam is The Veerhuis. A normal residential house in a normal urban area, where children play outside in front of the door. But people come to The Veerhuis to die. Together with family and friends, they temporarily create their own surroundings. An important fundamental of this "just-like-home home" is offering personal care based on the desires of the inhabitants. For four months, Steef Meyknecht filmed everyday life in The Veerhuis.

The Veerhuis Hospice has room for four people. In more than three years, it has had more than 180 inhabitants. Adriaan - one of about 45 volunteers - leafs through the album with their photos. He knows almost all of them by name.

Mr Hollander arrived by ambulance. His daughter helps him to his room where she has already hung up family photographs. Ineke, one of the two coordinators, has an introductory talk in which the topic of death is not avoided. "Do you have a euthanasia declaration?" Mr Hollander's stay will last less than 24 hours.
Hans has lived for several weeks in The Veerhuis. Apparently without difficulty, he talks about his approaching death, but can then suddenly be overtaken by sorrow and fear for what is going to come. While he thinks it's terrible not to live with his wife anymore, Hans has not regretted for a moment their decision to spend his last few days in this house. He is grateful for the opportunity to receive his family and friends. And he has learned to ask the volunteers for help. "You want to be tucked in?" "Yes, I'd like that." "Well, here we go."
Mrs Van den Bos (80) eventually spends almost six months in the house. When she gets confused again, someone explains very patiently where she is and why.
Newcomer Rob (54) regards his stay as an extra. "I had really already said my farewells."

For his research, Steef Meyknecht worked for three years as a volunteer in The Veerhuis.

This film was made with financial support from SKAN Foundation, BankGiro Loterij, Stichting R.C. Oude-Armenkantoor and ThuisKopie Fonds.

Pictures