“The Compassionate Caregivers: Between The Light And Shadows” is a touching and poignant photographic journey through the Jacobshospice, a hospice in The Hague where 60 volunteers, mostly women, work to make the lives of the guests who come to die as comfortable as possible.
Through the lens of Daimon Xanthopoulos, we see the dedication and compassion of the volunteers, who give of their time and energy to help those in their final days. We hear from Gré van der Tuin, a 75-year-old volunteer who has been working in the hospice for over 12 years. She describes the work as giving her a “rich feeling” and shares her experiences of helping guests with their personal care and developing a bond of trust with them.
The reportage highlights the importance of giving back and the positive impact that volunteer work can have on the lives of both the volunteers and the recipients. It also reflects on the importance of facing death and the lessons that can be learned from those who are nearing the end of their lives.
The photographs were taken as part of a long-running project on active seniors, and were featured in both National Geographic magazine and Daily Trouw. They offer a unique and intimate look at the work of the volunteers in the Jacobshospice, capturing their spirit of giving and the important role they play in the lives of those they serve.
National Geographic magazine
Newspaper Trouw
