NORTHERN NETHERLANDS – On September 21, it is World Alzheimer’s Day and we reflect on the hundreds of thousands of people in our country who suffer from this form of dementia. In the Netherlands, 280,000 people currently suffer from dementia.
No less than 70% of all people with dementia have Alzheimer’s. And that number is increasing rapidly: it is expected that it will double in the next 20 years.
In the period 2020-2050, 90,000 people in Noord-Holland-Noord will be confronted with dementia.
Jan Olijve, counselor for the elderly at MEE & de Wering West-Friesland, explains why recognizing and learning to deal with people with dementia is so important to this organization: “
We think it is important that all employees have at least basic knowledge of dementia, because we can all come into contact with someone with dementia. MEE & de Wering is active in various ways in supporting people with dementia. We are committed to this with both professionals and volunteers. That goes further than just the employees who support people with dementia. ”
Big challenge
His colleague Liesbeth Cos adds: “Together with other organizations, such as GPs and healthcare institutions, we are committed to providing as much support as possible to people with dementia and their loved ones. All our volunteers from WonenPlus are also trained on the signs of dementia. They know how to deal with people who have a dementia image. ” The advisers for the elderly expect that – given the increase in the number of elderly people and the shortages in the housing market – more and more people (must) continue to live at home longer. Alzheimer Nederland also speaks of ‘one of the greatest challenges of our time’.
Liesbeth Cos: “If we see signs that living at home is becoming too unsafe, we will discuss further steps. Information is the most important. It is good to think about what the wishes are in the early stages if it becomes too unsafe at home. When that moment presents itself, we can engage the cooperation partners and, for example, organize the relocation. Support for the informal caregiver is also important in this respect. ”
To promote awareness about dementia and also encourage other organizations to gain knowledge about it, Alzheimer Nederland and MEE & de Wering handed over the baton to Library Hoorn on 1 September. They will also work with Alzheimer Nederland, and will receive the certificate next year.
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