The first official dementia-friendly business in West Maas en Waal now a reality

The Jumbo in Beneden-Leeuwen the first dementia-friendly business in West Maas en Waal. The supermarket trained its employees and has been recognized by Alzheimer Nederland as a dementia-friendly business. This is a positive development, as the number of people with dementia is on the rise. Only by working together with residents, organizations, associations, and businesses can we create a dementia-friendly society.

The first official dementia-friendly business in West Maas en Waal

Alderman Reuvers: "It’s wonderful to see that the Jumbo in Beneden-Leeuwen is doing Beneden-Leeuwen part to create a dementia-friendly society. I am proud of this first step in the business world. And I hope this will inspire others so that more dementia-friendly businesses will follow soon. Because together, we have a responsibility to ensure that residents with dementia can participate in society for as long as possible."

Attend a session on how to deal with dementia effectively

In 2025, the social services organization Sociom will host a series of sessions titled “Dealing with Dementia Effectively.” During these sessions, you will learn what dementia is and how to deal with it effectively. The sessions are open to anyone who lives or works in the municipality West Maas en Waal. Small businesses can also have their employees trained in recognizing and dealing with dementia.

The next meeting will be held on Wednesday, July 9, from 3:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. at the community center located at Van Heemstraweg 50C in Beneden-Leeuwen. To register, please contact Joyce Fitzgerald, community development worker at Sociom, by email at joycefitzgerald@sociom.nl or by phone at 06 8997 4946.

Together, we are the dementia-friendly society

Organizations are also committed to creating a dementia-friendly society. New employees of the West Maas en Waal municipality West Maas en Waal a brochure about the dementia-friendly municipality. They also receive an invitation to the online training offered by Samendementievriendelijk, which is part of Alzheimer Nederland.

On June 30, the municipality is organizing a training session at the town hall organizations within the municipality. There is a great deal of interest. Staff members from the police, law enforcement, the De Kernen housing association, the Sociom social services organization, Sterker Social Work, and VraagWijzer West Maas en Waal .