Dr. H.J.A. (Hanneke) Smaling

As an Associate Professor at the UNC-ZH, my research focusses on the use of technology to improve quality of life in long-term care. After completing my master’s degrees in Clinical Neuropsychology and Organizational Psychology, I worked as a consultant in the education sector. Subsequently, I conducted doctoral research on the effect of maternal reflective functioning on the development of early behavioral problems in children. Next, I pursued a postdoctoral position at Amsterdam UMC, investigating the effects of the Namaste Care Family Program (a psychosocial intervention aimed at improving quality of life) on nursing home residents with dementia and their family caregivers. Following the completion of this study, I started working at the LUMC. Currently, I am also the Associate Director of Research and Development for Namaste Care International and I am a member of the Master Internship Committee of the master Health, Aging, and Society.

My research focuses on using technology to improve the quality of life for people with cognitive impairments, such as dementia, aphasia, and intellectual disabilities, in long-term care. Technology serves as an aid, not a replacement for compassionate care. In particular, my research interests include challenging or signal behavior, pain, (dis)stress, family involvement, and person-centered care. Within the LUMC, my work falls under the ‘Lifecourse Epidemiology and Geroscience (LEGend)’ program.
In my research, I collaborate closely with long-term care institutions, private partners, other knowledge institutes, and care recipients, their informal caregivers, and healthcare professionals.
Winner of the Research Talent Award Alzheimer Nederland 2024.