The first official dementia-friendly entrepreneur in West Maas en Waal is a reality.

The Jumbo in Beneden-Leeuwen is 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 entrepreneur. This is a positive development as the number of people with dementia is increasing. Only together with residents, organizations, associations, and entrepreneurs can we create a dementia-friendly society.

The first official dementia-friendly entrepreneur 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

Welfare organization Sociom will organize several 'Dealing with Dementia WELL' meetings in 2025. During these meetings, you will learn what dementia is and how to manage it effectively. The meetings are open to everyone who lives or works in the municipality of 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 municipality of West Maas en Waal receive a brochure about the dementia-friendly municipality. They also receive an invitation for the online training from Samendementievriendelijk, which is part of Alzheimer Nederland.

On June 30, the municipality will organize a training session at the town hall for local organizations. There is significant interest. Employees from the police, enforcement, housing corporation De Kernen, welfare organization Sociom, Sterker sociaal werk, and VraagWijzer West Maas en Waal are participating.