There are now half a million Dementia Friends in the Netherlands, ensuring together that people with dementia are able to continue participating, reports Alzheimer Nederland. There are currently around 290,000 people with dementia in the Netherlands, and that number will grow to half a million by 2040. In day-to-day life, therefore, citizens will increasingly interact with people living with dementia. Most people with dementia live at home (70%). They do the daily shopping, go to the hairdresser, the dentist, and to sports clubs and gyms. In order to slow down the progression of the disease slightly, to increase well-being and offer relief to carers and supporters, it is essential that we all "do our bit", says Alzheimer Nederland, as it allows people with dementia to continue to participate in society for as long as possible. Alzheimer Nederland and the Ministry of Public Health launched the programme "Samen dementievriendelijk" ("Dementia-friendly Together"), in 2016. In March 2022, a milestone has been reached: half a million people are part of this dementia-friendly programme. These 500,000 Dementia Friends in the Netherlands have registered on the website https://www.samendementievriendelijk.nl/
On this website, it is possible to follow free online courses so that people know how to deal with dementia, which is important, as 1 in 5 people will get dementia, meaning there is a good chance that we all will be affected, either getting dementia ourselves, or as a carer, or simply outside on the street, at work or at the gym. The objective is that all those with dementia, and their carers, feel better supported in their environment and by society. “And with these 500,000 dementia friends, we’re well on our way.” explains Gerjoke Wilmink, Executive Director, Alzheimer Nederland. “In the coming years we will train even more Dutch people and make them aware of the impact of dementia. Everyone deserves to be able to continue participating." At Griffensteyn tennis club in Zeist, for example, people with dementia are very welcome. There, trained volunteers organise a weekly tennis hour, followed by a cup of tea, for around ten participants with dementia.
The aim is for them to remain part of society and to become physically stronger, which will benefit their health and well-being. Jan (79) has Alzheimer's dementia and has been part of the group since its launch in November 2021. “It doesn’t matter whether you play well or not. The exercise, the contact and being part of a club does me good.” The aim of the programme is that people with dementia and their carers feel better supported, not only through professional support but also by society. The objective of Samen dementievriendelijk is to make Dutch society dementia friendly by offering year-round campaigns aimed at behavioural change through national TV, social media and an extensive training programme (14 free online courses and trainings, on location). This approach is focused on a learning strategy; learning how to recognise the signs of dementia will help people to act in an appropriate and supportive manner. Step-by-step, participants of the training courses learn skills that are important when coming into contact with people with dementia. After all, people want to help people with dementia when they are better informed about how to do so.
