Presentation of the well-being centers

At the moment, the Mimi Foundation is present in 4 hospitals:
• Saint-Luc University Clinics, Woluwé-Saint-Lambert (active since 01/03/10)
• UH (University Hospital) Gasthuisberg, Leuven (active since 01/08/08)
• Saint-Michel Clinic, Brussels (active since 01/08/08)
• St-Elisabeth Clinic, Brussels (active since 01/01/05)

In 2012, the Mimi Foundation helped nearly 15,000 patients.

In all these hospitals our centers are located within the oncology daycare department. The Mimi Foundation renovates the premises in their entirety and decorates them in such a way as to create a serene and soothing atmosphere, a far cry from the sterile environment normally associated with a hospital. In these rooms dedicated to relaxation and comfort, the patient can concentrate on his/her physical and mental well-being.

In each well-being center the Foundation ensures that all patients can benefit from three types of care and services:

• a psychologist
• a beauty specialist
• a hair advisor
  

These professionals are trained to assist cancer patients. From the very first meeting a relationship of trust is established between patient and professional, a human affinity. This relationship plays an important role for most patients, it cuts through the solitude which is so prevalent during such an inhumane struggle.

The Mimi Foundation’s design provides: subdued lighting, warm colors, natural materials and traditional furniture to cite just a few examples of their renovation.
The beauty salon is equipped with professional materials.
The result exceeds expectations, since the spaces allocated to the Foundation Mimi resolutely shines out of the anonymity of the hospital setting. These spaces are really warm and offer a soothing atmosphere that lends itself to relaxation and support.
This allows the patient to focus on his/her physical and mental and emotional well-being.

Psychological counseling

The psycho-oncologists from the Mimi Foundation offer patients specific support or assistance in dealing with the psychological impact of the disease or treatment. Patients and their families are helped to cope with the difficult elements of the disease.

Specific beauty treatments

The beauty specialists at the Mimi Foundation provide care and give advice that lessens the adverse effects of the treatment: rehydration of the skin, care of the scalp, learning make-up techniques when the eyelashes and eyebrows fall out, adapted manicures and pedicures for the care of nails that have become brittle. Besides classic beauty care, experts from the Mimi Foundation also provide treatments which give patients an immediate sense of wellness. The point being, that every patient is offered a little relaxation, through various relaxation techniques to relieve tension: facial therapy, massage ...

Hairstyle tips

Alopecia (hair loss acceleration) is the first fear when hearing a cancer diagnosis. The Mimi Foundation's mission is to make this ordeal a bit more bearable, thus helping the patient to overcome this difficult period.
By giving each patient the chance to meet a professional, the Mimi Foundation seeks to give everyone a chance to find, discreetly, the solution which suits him / her best. Based on his / her wishes, the patient can learn how to tie a scarf, how to choose a turban or a wig that suits his / her appearance.

Synergy with the hospital team

Regardless of whichever the hospital partner is, the Mimi Foundation remains entirely neutral from a medical standpoint. However, we work closely together with the medical team to offer optimal support to the patient.

The Mimi Foundation recommends a weekly meeting between the team and the medical professionals of the Foundation in order to exchange vital information on patients. It is very crucial to create a synergy between all parties with one common goal and that is the follow-up of the patient.

If the medical team is confident that the ’all important’ assistance and support for the patient is in the good hands of the Mimi Foundation, then they can concentrate fully on the medical aspect.

 

Saint-Luc University Clinics | UH Leuven Gasthuisberg | Saint-Michel Clinic |  St-Elisabeth