Those diagnosed with dementia wish to stay involved. DemenTalent connects people with dementia to volunteer work. For a few years, DemenTalent has also been active in Rotterdam. It helped retired art teacher Victor find creative volunteer work in Crooswijk.
He began his career as an art teacher and later became a painter, gallery owner, and advertising man. Victor Knol-Davenschot (72) has always been in the creative sector. After retirement, he was diagnosed with dementia.
Through care, Victor learned about DemenTalent. The foundation paired him as a volunteer with Open Huis Crooswijk, where Victor is back in his role as an art teacher. At the open art club, he provides visitors with drawing and painting tips.
Vascular Dementia
A doctor told Victor he has vascular dementia. Those affected have blood flow issues in the brain. Victor disagrees with the diagnosis, saying, Its just a label. Im not worried about dementia.
Victor notices dementia affects his movement; he sometimes wobbles and has difficulty standing up. Yet, he finds additional care condescending, saying, I like arguing with doctors, with a grin.
At the art club, Victor helps wherever he can, encouraging people to think outside the box. I often bring something from outside, like a branch of berries, to inspire.
Coffee Making
Inge Hutten, coordinator at Open Huis Crooswijk, is pleased with Victor. When DemenTalent introduced him, Inge had no experience with volunteers with dementia. But I only need to help with making coffee. Dementia affects Victors movement, not his thinking. He is a good teacher, open, and challenges people to look differently.
Silversmithing
In the exhibition room, Victor assists Esmeralda. She usually attends the knitting club but came to paint today. I need to make something every day, or I get sad.
While the paint dries, Victor and Esmeralda discuss silversmithing. Ive done that too, says Victor, removing his ring for Esmeralda to inspect. Its beautiful!
Victor enjoys his time at the art club. I find it enjoyable. Here I can further carry out my creative profession, even in retirement with the dementia label.
DemenTalent
DemenTalent has existed since 2012, founded by two men wanting to stay active despite dementia. Meaningful daily activities counter loneliness and can even slow dementia effects, says Paul Sluis of DemenTalent.
Those with dementia usually stop working, says Sluis. The alternative is day care. At DemenTalent, we know people with dementia can contribute a lot, like Victor at the art club or in other community places.
John de Wolf
Through its online platform, DemenTalent can connect Rotterdammers with dementia to suitable volunteer work. Organizations can also register as volunteer places.
Thus, DemenTalent is gaining traction in Rotterdam, with a role for Feyenoords assistant trainer. Former footballer John de Wolf is a DemenTalent ambassador. Sluis says, His mother has dementia, so he feels personally involved.
Dementia in Rotterdam
About 9,000 people have dementia in Rotterdam, expected to double in the next 10 years. To ensure these residents participate well, the Action Agenda Gold for Old includes dementia space.
The agenda states Rotterdam aims to be a dementia-friendly city where people with dementia actively participate. The municipality supports DemenTalents mission.
More Information
Curious about what DemenTalent does in Rotterdam? Visit the DemenTalent platform.
Want to know what the municipality can do for you or your loved ones with dementia? Visit rotterdam.nl/ouder-worden or rotterdamdementie.nl.
Watch the video below about Victor and his work at Open Huis Crooswijk.