4 Main Activities

Nichiran Silvernet ‘s activities are based on the following:

1. Collecting and Providing Information Related to Elderly Care in the Netherlands and Japan

We collect information on matters such as pension schemes, insurance and care/welfare systems in the Netherlands as well as information on the current state of affairs in Japan. We also gather experiences from our members. This information is published in our magazine Ajisai.

In addition to this, we also regularly organise lectures about the topics mentioned above.

These lectures are an opportunity for members to exchange information among themselves.

For the schedule of lectures and study groups, please refer to the Events page.

2. Mutual Exchange amongst Members

Every year, we host multiple events, such as a general meeting, New Year's party and a social gathering. Besides, seven area groups gather separately in order to improve the relations between members who live close to each other. Tea gatherings and hobby clubs’ meetings are also active. Moreover, once every two years we organize the Silvernet Bazaar. For those who do not have access to transport, please consult us.

• General meeting, New Year's party and Social gathering

During the general meeting at the start of the fiscal year, we provide the activity report and the financial statement of the previous fiscal year, and lay out our activity plans for the upcoming fiscal year. Every year in January, we host a New Year's potluck party. In June there is a Social gathering where we enjoy each other's company over sushi.

• Regional meetings, tea gatherings, hobby clubs’ meetings

''A good neighbour is better than a distant family.''

In order to optimize the relationship between members all over the Netherlands, we divided the country into seven districts, where we facilitate different activities. For instance, we regularly organize tea gatherings and other meetings in the west part of the country (Amstelveen), in the east (around Arnhem) and in the south (around Eindhoven).

The hobby clubs include: choir, gardening club and pet club. For those who are interested in such groups, please refer to the Events page.

• Bazaar

The bazaar that we hold at the beginning of the summer every two years is visited by Japanese and Dutch people alike. It serves as an opportunity to improve the interaction between members.

3. Help and Care service

Our aim is to set up a system where we can supplement the Dutch nursing care with extra Japanese care for those who live at home. To add to this, we are also planning to support Japanese elderly in nursing homes in the future. We are aiming to create a network which will connect Japanese people scattered around the entire country, and to provide each other with mutual help by way of volunteering.

“How are you?” call service

We regularly phone those who live alone. Anyone who lives alone, or who would simply like to speak Japanese every once in a while can receive these phone calls, without any age limit.

Visiting service

We pay visits to those who have trouble coming to our gatherings and those who live alone. People appreciate these visits very much as it provides the opportunity to talk face to face.

Assistance with daily chores

We can help with daily chores such as grocery shopping and other small day-to-day tasks.

4. Feasibility research on Facilities and Desired living style for elderly Japanese

We are investigating the possibilities of a nursing home for the Japanese elderly and desired living style, in order to make retired life in the Netherlands as pleasant as possible.

There are a number of different types of facilities in the Netherlands. These facilities essentially come down to three different categories:

• Nursing homes
• Residences suited for the elderly
• Group living

We organise occasional trips to visit nursing homes. The visits are made to view the facilities in order to understand more about Dutch nursing homes and collect information, and also to look into possibilities for the future residence for Japanese elderly. Within this aging society, more possibilities will arise when it comes to retirement. We would consider ideas such as designating a part of an existing nursing home or residence exclusively for Japanese elderly, or setting up group living accommodation with Japanese people.