2023-08-31 21:37:06
AALTEN – The municipality of Aalten is organizing various activities to raise awareness about dementia and support people who have the condition. In collaboration with care organizations, Figulus Welzijn, the Talent Connectors, and the municipality of Aalten, World Alzheimer’s Day 2023 (September 21) will be utilized to draw additional attention to recognizing and dealing with dementia.
Dementia is a major concern, with an estimated one in every five people in the Netherlands developing the condition. Currently, there are approximately 500 people with dementia in the municipality of Aalten, and unfortunately, this number is expected to increase. It is crucial to reflect on World Alzheimer’s Day and consider what society can do to help individuals with dementia live independently for as long as possible.
To generate extra attention for dementia and the activities in Aalten, actor Jan van der Hammen, known for his role in TV commercials about dementia, will be making surprise visits to shops in Aalten and Dinxperlo. In his role as a ‘man with dementia,’ Jan will present scenarios that challenge both shop staff and visitors to react appropriately to confused behavior, odd requests, or difficulties in paying.
In the evening, a meeting titled ‘Dementia in the business’ will be held for small businesses, catering establishments, associations, and individuals involved as volunteers in the municipality of Aalten. Jan van der Hammen will begin the meeting by discussing the signs that may indicate someone has dementia, how to determine if help is needed, and what actions are best avoided. The second part of the meeting will focus on integrating old hobbies or passions into the lives of people with (early) dementia and exploring the resources and assistance available to facilitate this.
Additionally, libraries in Aalten and Dinxperlo will provide information about dementia, and a book table dedicated to the theme of ‘dementia’ will be set up.
Cinemas in the municipality of Aalten will also participate in World Alzheimer’s Day by screening the Oscar-winning film ‘The Father,’ starring Anthony Hopkins and Olivia Colman, for free. The film offers a unique perspective on the experience of dementia, as the viewer sees the world through the eyes of a character who is gradually losing touch with reality. Director Florian Zeller’s approach not only showcases the impact of dementia but also allows the audience to empathize with the disorientation that comes with it.
Filmhuis Oerkroeg Schiller in Aalten will screen the film on Thursday, September 21, while the Filmhuis in the Kulturhus in Dinxperlo will do so a week later, on Thursday, September 28.
The municipality of Aalten encourages interested individuals to register for the free meeting ‘Dementia in the case’ by contacting the municipality at [email protected] or calling (0543) 49 33 33.
For more information regarding the screenings of ‘The Father,’ interested parties can visit the websites of Oerkroeg Schiller and the Kulturhus.]
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