Nuenen more dementia-friendly again
Alzheimer Nederland, together with Nuenen volunteers, Nuenen municipality and health care professionals, conducted a dementia scan in Nuenen in the first quarter of this year. The Dementia Scan consists of a series of questions on various topics related to dementia.
This dementia scan provides insight into what has already been achieved in Nuenen and what is still needed to support people with dementia and allow them to participate in social life in our municipality. It is not an assessment, but a common 'photo' of where we stand in Nuenen. In addition to the insights provided by the scan, the main value is that we look at the subject of dementia together. Based on the outcomes, we will also determine together the focal points for policy and activities in the coming period.
Results and opinions
On Thursday, March 20, Henk Coppens presented the results of the dementia scan on behalf of Alzheimer Nederland. The scan shows that there is improvement in participation in society and activities, Health and access to knowledge and support for people with dementia and that awareness around dementia is improving in Nuenen. In its feedback, Alzheimer Nederland also highlights the commitment of the municipality and its collaborative partners to making the village more dementia-friendly. It advises Nuenen to build on the good examples and also give extra attention to early signaling through existing and new social networks. Alzheimer Nederland also recommends creating dementia-friendly meeting places, within walking distance, for people with (incipient) dementia.
Municipality and Dementia Friendly Nuenen work closely together
Nuenen municipality has been committed for many years to being a pleasant municipality to live in and for everyone, including people with dementia and their loved ones. The working group Dementia Friendly Nuenen plays an important role in this. This working group can still use reinforcements! Together we offer a wide range of information, support and advice to residents, entrepreneurs, clubs and associations, caregivers, volunteers and others on how to deal with people with dementia. More and more people are getting dementia and we want them to be able to participate as fully as possible in life in the Nuenen community. Initiatives include:
- Information and awareness: Organize information sessions and trainings so that to increase understanding and knowledge about dementia.
- Support and Advice: Provide personalized guidance and advice to residents and family caregivers so they can better cope with the challenges of dementia.
- Collaboration with local organizations: Working with businesses, associations and clubs to ensure that their services and activities are also accessible to people with dementia.
- Adapted infrastructure: design public spaces and facilities to be safe and accessible for people with dementia.
Participating fully, even with dementia
We are pleased with the result of the dementia scan and, together with our volunteers and professionals, will continue to build a community in which everyone, including people with dementia, can participate fully. We want everyone, regardless of their circumstances, to feel welcome and supported in Nuenen. We also invite all residents to participate in the activities and initiatives we organize.
Activities
On Friday, April 11, the Van Gogh Village Museum will screen the inspiring film Human Forever by Teun Toebes. Due to overwhelming interest, this evening was booked up very quickly, but we are in the process of organizing an additional film screening. We will announce the date through the municipality's regular communication channels.
In September, around World Alzheimer's Day (Sept. 21), the Dementia Friendly Nuenen activity week will take place. There will then be various activities for people with dementia, their caregivers and all other interested Nuenen residents.
More information?
For more information about our dementia-friendly initiatives, contact Emmy van de Ven at e.vandeven@nuenen.nl.
