Together we are Dementia Friendly West Maas and Waal

Dementia causes damage to the brain. The brain controls everything we do. If something goes wrong there, we notice it in our actions. Dementia is a collective term for various brain disorders. Dementia means that things that used to be easy are now no longer possible. It has a major impact on the life of the person themselves. And also on their loved ones.

Dementia is also a major issue in West Maas en Waal. The municipality of West Maas en Waal is therefore actively committed to creating a dementia-friendly society. This ensures that everyone with dementia can participate in society for as long as possible. In December 2024, we received the dementia-friendly municipality certificate from Alzheimer Nederland for our efforts in this area.

What is a dementia-friendly community?

A dementia-friendly community encourages and helps residents, businesses, and organizations to actively work toward a dementia-friendly society. This creates a society where everyone accepts dementia: from the baker and neighbor to the sports club and community police officer. It's a place where people with dementia can just go shopping, take care of their banking, go to their club, or visit the library.

How can I recognize signs of dementia?

The symptoms of dementia vary from person to person and depending on the type of dementia. However, there are 10 signs that can help you recognize dementia, such as recurring memory problems, behavioral issues, and changes in personality. On the Alzheimer Nederland website, you can complete a questionnaire about your memory and find a sign card listing the most common signs of dementia and how to deal with someone with dementia.

Free meeting: Dealing effectively with dementia

During this meeting, you will be informed in an interactive way about dementia and how to deal with people with dementia. Understanding dementia and what happens helps you to deal with it effectively.

Who is it for?

All residents, young and old, from the municipality of West Maas en Waal are welcome!

When?

Monday, March 2, 2026, from 3:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Where?

MFA D’n Hoender Nieuwstraat 10 Dreumel

Registration is mandatory!

Please contact Joyce Fitzgerald, community worker at Sociom. You can reach her by phone at 06 8997 4946 or by email at joycefitzgerald@sociom.nl.

Help and support

Do you or someone close to you have symptoms that indicate dementia? Do you or someone close to you need help and support? If so, you can do the following:

Contact your family doctor

If you suspect dementia, you can visit your family doctor. Based on their knowledge and experience, they will decide whether a diagnosis is necessary. Your family doctor may also refer you to a specialist or social worker, for example.

Contact VraagWijzer West Maas en Waal

VraagWijzer West Maas en Waal is the gateway to care and support for and from vulnerable residents of West Maas en Waal. A consultant can help you explore the options for help and support.

Phone number 0487 790 790
Email info@vraagwijzerwmw.nl

Contact a care pathway coordinator Network 100

A care coordinator is a permanent contact person who can provide advice and assistance and is involved on a long-term basis in cases of suspected dementia or when a diagnosis has been made. This person is familiar with the dementia process, knows where to find support, and can help arrange matters.

Phone number 024 8903 908

Contact the Dementia Helpline

The Dementia Helpline is available seven days a week between 9 a.m. and 11 p.m. They offer a listening ear and advice on dealing with dementia. You can also call the Dementia Helpline if you want to share your story about dementia. This is free and anonymous.

Phone number 0800 5088

Send a message to an expert at Alzheimer Nederland

The experts are happy to help you. Visit the Alzheimer Nederland website to select the topic that best suits your needs and then ask your question. For each topic, you will find answers to frequently asked questions from others.

Help and support for informal caregivers

Are you a caregiver for someone with dementia and do you have questions about it? Then you can visit the informal care support center in your municipality.

Online peer contact via Alzheimer Nederland

Through Alzheimer Nederland, you can connect (online) with others who are closely affected by dementia. Whether you have dementia yourself or are, for example, the partner or child of someone with dementia. Exchange advice and get things off your chest. You are not alone. You can do this via a form, blog, or online discussion groups.

I have dementia, what now?

Dementia changes your life. But you want to make the most of every day.

Alzheimer Nederland has created the website "Ik leef met dementie(I live with dementia) " in collaboration with people with dementia. The website is divided into sections. The sections contain information and tips about living with dementia.

What can I do for people with dementia in the municipality of West Maas en Waal?

Do you have an initiative you want to start? And do you need help? The community worker at Sociom West Maas en Waal can assist you.

Are you an organization, association, or company that would like to become dementia-friendly, but you don't know how? Sociom is here to help.

Please contact Joyce Fitzgerald. She is a community worker at Sociom. You can reach her via:

Phone number 612-8997-4946
Email JoyceFitzgerald@sociom.nl

Follow or organize a training course on recognizing and dealing with dementia.

For more information, please visit Samen dementievriendelijk(Dementia Friendly Together) at .

They offer (free) training courses, both online and on-site. You can choose to take an online training course individually or organize a physical training course on-site with a group or association.

Alzheimer Café Maas and Waal

The Alzheimer Café is a meeting place for people with dementia, volunteers, family members, professionals, and other residents. Here, they talk to each other and an expert about their experiences and encounters with dementia.

When: The first Monday of the month
What time: 7:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
Where: Mamre (next to the Protestant Church), Kattenburg 59, 6651 AM Druten
More information: Alzheimer Nederland - Nijmegen region

Brain Ghosts - Information about dementia written for children

On the Breinspoken website , children in different age groups can find more information about dementia. The information also covers what it is like for children and what they can do. The Breinspookje explains this.