Vildan Kandemir Bütün .

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More about Vidan

I studied nursing at Istanbul University and began my career in intensive care. Later, I moved to England for language training and business studies, but it was my work in nursing homes that truly shaped my passion for elderly care. When I returned to Türkiye in 2001, I carried this experience with me, managing care homes and developing new projects. Today, I continue this journey as co-founder of Okyanus Elderly Care Center and as an Assistant Professor.

For me, aging is a natural part of life, and every individual deserves dignified care. I see care not only as a profession but as a moral responsibility. Intercultural elderly care especially inspires me, because it brings together different approaches. In Europe, older people are encouraged to remain independent in small tasks, while in Türkiye compassion and solidarity are deeply rooted values. Combining these perspectives can enrich our practices.

Elderly care in Türkiye is developing quickly, but the focus is still too often on appearances rather than substance. For me, transparency and measurable quality indicators are essential. I always encourage families to ask questions and challenge the services they consider. Some say this raises expectations, but I believe it raises the quality of care. When people are informed, they make conscious decisions that help move the sector forward.

One area that particularly inspires me is intercultural elderly care. In Europe, I have observed advanced models that encourage older people to maintain their self-care skills and independence, even in the smallest daily activities. In Türkiye, our strength lies in compassion and solidarity. I believe the future lies in combining these cultural values with scientific approaches, creating a model that is both human and evidence-based.

Beyond my professional work, I am committed to civil society. As President of the Association of Private Nursing Homes and a board member of other organisations, I share my experiences on wider platforms, such as Lions Club, build collaborations, and contribute to the sector in new ways.

What excites me most about ENIEC is its culture of curiosity and sharing. There is no hierarchy or imposition, everyone comes with the intention to exchange knowledge. I am always eager to share what I know, because one day, each of us will need care. Approaching this field with that awareness keeps me motivated and hopeful. ENIEC is a community of dedicated professionals, and I believe that together we can create outcomes that truly make a difference for humanity.