Zoeterwoude leads the way as dementia-friendly municipality with innovative initiatives
Zoeterwoude has been certified as a dementia-friendly municipality, scoring above the national average. Residents now benefit from tailored initiatives like dementia-friendly shopping routes, memory cafés, and accessible housing projects, ensuring inclusion and support for those with cognitive decline.
| Key Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Municipality | Zoeterwoude (Zuid-Holland) |
| Certificate Received | Dementia-Friendly Municipality (Alzheimer Netherlands) |
| Key Initiatives | Dementia-friendly shopping route, Football Memories gatherings, Art Room |
| Housing Projects | Collaboration with Verde Vista for dementia-adapted homes |
| Working Group Members | Case managers, residents, Alzheimer Netherlands, welfare professionals |
| National Comparison | Scored above national average on dementia scan themes |
Municipalities in the Netherlands play a crucial role in creating inclusive communities by implementing policies and initiatives that support vulnerable groups, such as people with dementia. Zoeterwoude’s certification reflects its commitment to improving quality of life through local partnerships and tailored programs.
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Zoeterwoude receives Dementia-Friendly Municipality certificate
On Friday, March 20, Alderman Moniek van Sandick received the Dementia-Friendly Municipality certificate. Anne de Baat of Alzheimer Netherlands called it a remarkable achievement for one of the smallest municipalities in the Netherlands. Zoeterwoude scored above the national average on several themes from the dementia scan.
Anne de Baat (Alzheimer Netherlands) presents the certificate to Moniek van Sandick
Proud of the local working group
In her speech, Alderman van Sandick emphasized how special it is that Zoeterwoude has received this title. She spoke with pride about the local working group Dementia-Friendly Zoeterwoude. This group consists of case managers, residents with expertise, Alzheimer Netherlands, welfare professionals, and the caregiver coach. Thanks to the efforts of this working group—together with many volunteers and caregivers—much has been accomplished.
Many wonderful initiatives
Over the past year, the working group has made significant progress. For example, a dementia-friendly shopping route was established, and a clear brochure was published with activities and locations for people with dementia and their loved ones. Neighborhood initiatives also play an important role. One such initiative in Zoeterwoude is "Voetbal Herinneringen" (Football Memories), which consists of gatherings to reminisce together about the local football club SJZ. In addition, there are increasingly accessible meeting places, such as De Buren, Ons Huis, De Klaverhal, and De Eendenkooi. Activities like the Dance Café, Singing Without Worries, walking groups, shared meals, and the community center provide structure, enjoyment, and connection. The working group is also looking ahead and is working on a new initiative: the KunstKamer (Art Room), a creative studio for people with declining cognitive abilities.
Dementia-friendly living
Progress is also being made in the area of housing. The municipality is collaborating with housing corporations, care providers, and welfare organizations to better tailor homes and living environments to the needs of people with dementia. The first projects have started in Verde Vista.
Continuing step by step
Van Sandick sees the certificate as a fine recognition of all the work that has been done. “But we’re never finished. Step by step, we are building a society in which people with dementia remain included. Young and old can shine in Zoeterwoude, whether their brain is functioning perfectly or not.”
More information
Read more about what a dementia-friendly municipality entails on the Alzheimer Netherlands website.