Opening of the "Forget-Me-Not" Site in West Maas en Waal
The municipality West Maas en Waal , in collaboration with Sociom and the Rivierenland Library, West Maas en Waal set up a “Forget-Me-Not Corner” at the library in Beneden-Leeuwen. Here, people with dementia and their caregivers can find information and books. On Thursday, May 7, they will officially launch this collection with author Theo van Aken as the guest speaker.
Working Together to Create a Dementia-Friendly Society
This activity is part of Dementia-Friendly West Maas en Waal. Through the “Forget-Me-Not” space, the participating organizations are making a valuable contribution to a society in which everyone feels seen and supported. Being able to visit the library and enjoy a book are important ways to connect with others and remain engaged in society. Through this joint effort, the municipality, Sociom, and the Rivierenland Library aim to ensure that the library remains a welcoming and accessible place for all residents—a place where everyone can find knowledge, inspiration, and a warm welcome.
A comprehensive collection for people with dementia and their caregivers
The collection will be available at the libraries in Beneden-Leeuwen Dreumel. It consists of titles that offer support, recognition, and practical information to people with dementia, their loved ones, and caregivers. A large part of the collection consists of Theo van Aken’s “Momentaan” books: accessible books designed for reading and viewing that have been specially developed for people with memory loss. People with dementia are often still able to read well well into the course of their illness, provided the texts have been adapted. In addition, the collection includes informative nonfiction about dementia and practical handbooks for informal caregivers.
Opening of the Forget-Me-Not Garden
The “Forget-Me-Not” Space will be officially opened during an event on Thursday, May 7, at the Beneden-Leeuwen library, located in MFA De Rosmolen at Leliestraat 19. Residents, professionals, and informal caregivers from West Maas en Waal warmly invited to attend. Doors open at 3:30 p.m. with coffee and tea. The program begins around 3:45 p.m. with a brief opening, followed by a substantive session featuring speaker Theo van Aken, author of the “Momentaan” books. The event ends around 5:00 p.m., after which there will be an opportunity for an informal get-together.
Sign up and learn more
Registration is required and can be done through May 6 by phone or email with Joyce Fitzgerald, a community organizer at Sociom, at 06 8997 4946 or joycefitzgerald@sociom.nl.
For more information about Dementia-Friendly West Maas en Waal westmaasenwaal.nl/dementievriendelijk.