Jade Heynderickx

MSc - Social Work

Promotors: Prof. Dr. Lieve Van den Block & Dr. Tinne Smets

Jade Heynderickx obtained her master's degree in Social work (2025) at Gent University Her interest in social connection in end-of-life care stems from her extensive practical experience in elderly care. In February 2025, Jade joined the End-of-Life Care Research Group as a doctoral researcher. She is part of the CONNECT project, which focuses on Social Connection in Serious Illness, Dying, and Bereavement. Her PhD research specifically examines social connection among older adults in nursing homes. Through this work, she aims to identify and evaluate policies and practices in nursing homes that foster social connection in the contexts of serious illness, dying, and bereavement. 

Her research contributes to the broader goal of the CONNECT project, which seeks to develop an evidence base for innovative programs, practices, and policies that enhance social connection at individual, relational, community, organizational, and societal levels.