For some viewers, this approach might appear controversial, as gets brought up in a very emotional sequence discussing the deteriorating health of a resident at a staff meeting. An aging woman seems to have given up on life or simply quietly reached her end by refusing to even drink. Whereas at a hospital, staff might have forced her to eat/drink or give her IVs and drugs, causing possibly more pain, at Dagmarsminde, staff want to respect their patients’ wishes, so, while providing water or anything else if requested, they are not forcing any resident to partake.
The medical staff makes such decisions carefully and expertly, but one might argue that the elderly woman might not have been capable of deciding such a thing on her own in the first place. Thus the nurses should have maybe tried to give her fluids/sustenance even if she did not request it, instead of perhaps helping her die. But again, these are tough choices to make. However, by observing Dagmarsminde’s employees day after day, we can see that they are truly attentive, genuinely get to know the residents in their care, and understand what might go through their heads at their advanced ages.
“…affecting and moving…”
What is even more impressive is the luxury the staff has to take time with everyone and not rush from room to room. Detlefsen’s documentary is affecting and moving, and while watching It Is Not Over Yet, one cannot help but wonder how many deaths and outbreaks in care homes could have been avoided during the pandemic if they were run like Dagmarsminde. In that same vein, it would be interesting to know how the Danish facility itself coped with the devastating virus and the subsequent fallout we are still reeling from.
The intimate film takes its time setting the tone and finding its rhythm but is effective in offering viewers a complete picture of day-to-day life at the care home over the course of several weeks. It is filmed passively enough so as to not disturb the precious ecosystem, and it takes a contemplative perspective, highlighting the peacefulness of the setting and its leisurely aspects. May Bjerre Eiby and others created a special community that, much like It Is Not Over Yet, should inspire us all to do better. One day when we are old or sick, we should all wish that we should be so lucky as to end up at Dagmarsminde or any other facility providing the same level of humanistic care and fun.
"…when we are old or sick, we should all wish that we should be so lucky as to end up at Dagmarsminde..."
