Kasper Bormans

De Resonantiemethode

Resonantieschommel Schilde

Chaudfontaine

RESONANCE SWINGS

First Dementia Swing in Flanders: A Symbol of Connection

On September 4, 2024, a special event took place at the Edouard Remy residential care home in Leuven. Dr. Kasper Bormans, in collaboration with Alzheimer Liga Vlaanderen, the artist duo Unik-ID, ZorgLeuven, and Publisher Lannoo, unveiled the very first dementia swing in Flanders. The ceremony was accompanied by the launch of the new book Swinging to the Rhythm of People with Dementia.

During the ceremony, Dr. Bormans presented the first copy of his book to his mentor, Prof. Dr. Dirk De Wachter, after which the swing was officially put into use. Designed by Unik-ID and donated by Alzheimer Liga Vlaanderen, the swing is now located in the inner courtyard of the care home. Kasper spent several weeks among the residents of the care home to refine the conversation techniques described in the book. It is a symbolic place where residents can enjoy movement, relaxation, and interaction—a small gesture with a big impact.

Second Resonance Swing: Schilde Becomes a Warm Community Hub

On November 7, 2025, the second dementia swing in the country—and the first in the province of Antwerp—was officially inaugurated at the Sint-Lodewijk residential care home in ’s-Gravenwezel, Schilde.

The idea behind the swing lies at the heart of a particular way of communicating with people with dementia. Its mechanism is based on the “resonance method”: inspired by imagination and movement, the swing invites genuine moments of connection. It encourages us to move along with the rhythm of the other person. Thanks to the collaboration between the artist duo Unik-ID, Alzheimer Liga Vlaanderen, the pupils of Wonderwijzer primary school, and a network of organizations and partners, this symbol of intergenerational connection became a reality.

Annelies Brouwer of Alzheimer Liga Vlaanderen explains:

“Last year, I gave the pupils of Wonderwijzer an introduction to dementia to help them start their fundraising campaign well-informed. It was an incredibly meaningful experience. Even before the swing was installed, a connection between generations had already emerged. I noticed a great deal of openness and engagement among the children. This is an example of how Schilde is truly committed to building a warm community.”

Third Swing in Belgium: First in Wallonia

The impact of these swings extends beyond Flanders. On March 25, 2026, the very first resonance swing in Wallonia was officially inaugurated at the Foyer de la Providence residential care home (Chaudfontaine). This swing is the result of a unique national collaboration between patient organizations in the field of Alzheimer’s, together with Dr. Kasper Bormans and the artist duo Unik-ID. At the same time, the French-language edition of the book Se balancer au rythme des personnes atteintes de démence – Mieux communiquer avec la méthode de résonance was launched.

Thanks to these initiatives, the organizations transcend the language barrier and place communication, connection, and the well-being of people with dementia and their close surroundings at the center. These are places where young and old can come together and enjoy, where rhythm and movement form a language that everyone understands.

A Growing Social Challenge

Every three seconds, someone in the world is diagnosed with dementia. Currently, more than 55 million people worldwide are living with this condition, and by 2050 this number is expected to nearly triple. For every person with dementia, at least three close relatives are directly involved—these are the “shadow stakeholders” of the condition. Around 70% of people with dementia live at home, making effective communication with their surroundings more important than ever.

Dementia is not only about memory loss; it is also about the loss of communication. Not only do the connections between brain cells deteriorate, but the bonds between people also come under pressure. Dementia affects not just the individual, but also the “shadow stakeholders”: family, friends, and caregivers. On average, every child will encounter at least one grandparent with dementia. Sooner or later, we are all confronted with this reality, directly or indirectly. These shadow stakeholders are more than just “bearers of burden”; they are also crucial “builders of connection.” While we wait for a miracle cure, human connection remains the best medicine. Dementia care is fundamental care. Despite the severity of the condition, a good quality of life is often still possible as long as a connection with the outside world exists. The swings and the conversation techniques of the resonance method can serve as a helpful push in that direction.

The Resonance Method: Communication as Movement

In the book Swinging to the Rhythm of People with Dementia, Dr. Kasper Bormans presents the resonance method: a fundamental attitude in communication that is based on adaptation rather than correction.

When we view a person with dementia as inaccessible, we risk missing the simple yet courageous gesture of reaching out. The swing offers an alternative perspective: by attuning our behavior to the rhythm and position of the other—sometimes close, sometimes a bit further away—a space of genuine connection emerges. In this way, communication becomes resonance.

The book offers concrete and practical techniques for care professionals, informal caregivers, and family members, and serves as a hopeful guide for anyone involved in caring for older adults.

The Dementia Swing: A Relational Work of Art

The sustainable swing, designed by the artist duo Unik-ID, is given a permanent place in the inner garden of the Foyer de la Providence residential care home (Chaudfontaine).

It symbolizes the resonance method and a society committed to connection. Innovative communication techniques help people with dementia and those around them to remain in dialogue. The swing encourages intergenerational encounters, helps break down stigma, and aims to reduce loneliness. During the inauguration, residents with dementia will try out the swing and share their experiences, surrounded by children blowing bubbles.

Kasper Bormans shows how you can make a difference with very ordinary things that are easily applicable in daily life. How you can bring humanity into difficult situations, even when they involve dementia.

Prof. dr. Dirk De Wachter (KU Leuven)

This book reminds us of the power of connection, especially when the other person is hard to reach. Kasper Bormans makes us dance and move forward in hope, to the rhythm of the person with dementia.

Prof. Dr. Hilde Verbeek (Maastricht University)

I have been working as a home care nurse with people with dementia for years. Today, I am also a caregiver for my own father. Kasper Bormans' ideas and techniques are both familiar and refreshing. They have changed my life in a very positive way.

Mieke Rivière (infirmière à domicile et aide-soignante)

Inspired by Kasper Bormans' book, we have brought this swing to life as a place where people with dementia and their loved ones can meet and share a swinging experience together.

Artists Unik-ID

The life of someone with dementia and their loved ones often resembles a rollercoaster rather than a peaceful swing. However, with dozens of tips and supportive tools, this book demonstrates just how much quality of life can still be added if we can replace the storms with a gently rocking swell.

Alzheimer League Flanders

Showing interest in and giving time to someone with dementia does not come naturally. Yet, it is a meaningful and essential step for his or her quality of life. In this book, we discover a possible care relationship and a different form of communication: accessible, refreshing, respectful, and enriching for those who engage with it.

Ligue Alzheimer ASBL