In the municipality of Oosterhout, about 1,700 informal caregivers are registered with Surplus. These informal caregivers are supported in various ways. Besides coaching, information and advice, caregivers can participate in workshops, courses and other activities. About having dementia Surplus made a video with the personal stories of Wim and Anna.
Research shows that in Oosterhout about 1,100 residents with dementia live at home. Dementia is therefore not only a care issue, but also a social issue. How can we together ensure that people with dementia and their caregivers can live a pleasant life for as long as possible? Everyone wants to remain independent and continue doing things that are important as long as possible. Surplus thinks along with this. We offer activities, (voluntary) support and information around memory problems. Research has shown that informal caregivers appreciate videos on a variety of topics. Therefore, we regularly make videos with personal stories. In the video ‘The heart does not forget’ Wim tells about his visit to the Meeting Place. Anna was a caregiver for her now-deceased husband Hans. Anna tells how she went through all the phases with Hans and how she searched for ways to cope with his illness. Ellen, coordinator of Activity Center De Slotjes and involved in the monthly Alzheimer Café talks about her experiences with visitors to De Slotjes. The video is on YouTube at Mantelzorg Surplus.
Participate in activities?
Surplus has three activity centers in Oosterhout: De Slotjes, Dommelbergen and De Bunthoef. All kinds of activities are organized in these centers, for example at De Ontmoetingsplek in De Slotjes, Slotjesveld 15, on Tuesday and Thursday mornings. Here there is room for Oosterhouters with dementia and their loved ones. Drop in for a pleasant chat and good conversation. Every last Monday evening of the month the Alzheimer Café is also organized here. Each month a new theme is discussed. For info and registration, call 0162 - 430 032.
Family member and questions?
Regularly organized is the “Dementia and Now” group. Here participants discuss how dementia can change perception and behavior and what support is possible. In addition, Surplus offers tools to continue to take good care of yourself in this process.
Also for personal questions, appropriate support, a volunteer buddy the consultants informal care are happy to think along. Call 0162 - 748 600 or send an email to mantelzorg.oosterhout@surplus.nl
