Hoeksche Waard, Netherlands Aims to Become Dementia-Friendly Community
Hoeksche Waard, a picturesque town in the Netherlands, is taking significant steps to become a supportive and inclusive community for individuals with dementia and their caregivers. The town recently earned the designation of a "Dementia-Friendly Municipality," a testament to its dedication to understanding and accommodating the needs of this vulnerable population.
"Being and living as a dementia-friendly city is only possible if we do it together," stated Councilor René Peters, responsible for Public Health and Healthcare in Hoeksche Waard. He emphasized the importance of collective effort, stating, "Together with entrepreneurs and partners, we try to create more awareness and understanding throughout the Hoeksche Waard. A society where dementia is accepted, where people can recognize dementia and deal with it. So that residents with dementia and their informal carers can continue to participate in society for as long as possible. I’m very proud of that."
This commitment stems from a growing concern about the rising prevalence of dementia in the region. With an aging population and a projected increase in the number of individuals affected by dementia, Hoeksche Waard is proactively addressing the challenge.
According to Councilor Peters, "The former councilor (Joanne Blaak-van de Lagemaat) has also been committed to this in recent years."
Several initiatives are already underway, including the establishment of neighborhood meeting places for people with memory problems and their caregivers. The Odenehuis Hoeksche Waard serves as a shining example of such a space.
Furthermore, council employees and others have received training to recognize the signs of dementia, ensuring early identification and support.
Receiving the "Dementia-Friendly City" certification is just the beginning. Maintaining this qualification requires ongoing effort and commitment.
Future efforts will focus on raising awareness and educating not only professionals but also volunteers, neighbors, and local businesses about dementia. The goal is to foster a community where understanding and empathy are paramount.
The increasing prevalence of dementia in Hoeksche Waard is a pressing concern.
"The Hoeksche Waard area is getting older compared to the national average. Due to the aging population, it is expected that the number of residents with dementia will increase in the future," cautioned officials. "There are 21,661 people aged 65 and over living in the Hoeksche Waard. That’s 24% of the residents. Of these, 2,023 have dementia. In 5 years there will be around 2,300."
The town also acknowledges that women are more susceptible to dementia, with a one in three chance of developing the condition compared to one in five for men. Additionally, they are seeing an alarming rise in younger individuals being diagnosed.
To equip the community with the necessary knowledge and skills, Hoeksche Waard encourages residents to participate in free online dementia training. These comprehensive 15-minute modules provide insights into recognizing dementia and managing challenging situations effectively.
For more information, visit the Dementia-friendly website together website (https://www.samendementievriendelijk.nl/trainingen).
Additional resources:
- Hoeksche Waard Website: https://www.gemeentehw.nl/direct-regelen/zorg-welzijn/ouder-worden/dementie/
- Odenehuis Hoeksche Waard: https://odensehuishw.nl/
- Hoeksche Waard District Team: https://www.wijkteamhw.nl/inwoners/mantelzorgondersteuning/
2024-12-01 09:50:00
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Titles:
**Option 1:** Building Bridges of Support: An Interview with Councilor René Peters on Hoeksche Waard’s Dementia-Pleasant Initiative
**Option 2:** A Village United: How Hoeksche Waard is Embracing Dementia-Friendly Living
**Option 3:** Leading the Way: Hoeksche Waard’s Vision for an Inclusive Community for People with Dementia
**Expert Interview:**
**World Today News** Interview with Councilor René Peters, Hoeksche Waard
**(WTN):** Councilor Peters, congratulations on earning the “Dementia-Friendly Municipality” designation! What inspired Hoeksche Waard to embark on this journey?
**Councilor Peters (CP):** Thank you.Hoeksche Waard, like many communities, [has] a growing aging population with an increase in dementia cases. We realized it’s crucial to ensure these individuals remain active participants in our community.
**(WTN):** This initiative appears to involve the entire community.What role do businesses, organizations, and residents play?
**
(CP):** Absolutely.Being and living as a dementia-friendly city is only possible if we do it *together*. We’re working closely with entrepreneurs, healthcare providers, social organizations, and residents to create awareness and understanding of dementia. We need everyone to know how to recognize the signs, communicate effectively with individuals with dementia, and create a supportive environment.
**(WTN):** Can you provide some specific examples of changes implemented in Hoeksche Waard to create a dementia-friendly community?
**(CP):**
* **training:** We’ve been conducting dementia awareness training for local businesses, public service employees, and residents. This covers topics like communication strategies, recognizing warning signs, and creating dementia-friendly environments.
* **Accessible Spaces:** we’re adapting public spaces to be more accessible and navigable for people with dementia. This includes clearer signage, improved lighting, and reducing clutter.
* **Social Inclusion:** We’re supporting initiatives that encourage social inclusion,such as memory cafes and social groups tailored for people with dementia and their caregivers.
**(WTN):** What are the long-term goals for Hoeksche Waard’s dementia-friendly initiative?
**(CP):** Our ultimate goal is to create a society where dementia is recognized, understood, and accepted. We want residents with dementia to feel safe, supported, and able to live independently for as long as possible. We want to empower caregivers with the knowledge and resources they need to provide the best possible care. We hope that Hoeksche Waard becomes a model for other communities seeking to create dementia-friendly environments.
**(WTN):**
This sounds like a truly admirable effort. Thank you for sharing your insights, Councilor Peters.
**(End Interview)**
