Voorne aan Zee raises awareness for World Alzheimer's Day
Monday, September 21, was World Alzheimer's Day. On this day, people around the world reflect on dementia and its impact on people with dementia, their caregivers, and those around them.
The municipality of Voorne aan Zee has also focused on this issue. Alderman Wilbert Borgonjen raised the “Dementia-Friendly” flag at city hall, and local activities were organized, such as exercise and singing sessions. Through these efforts, the municipality is highlighting the importance of a dementia-friendly society in which residents with dementia and their loved ones feel welcome, seen, and supported.
Alderman Wilbert Borgonjen: “At the Odensehuis in Brielle, I took part in chair exercises. At the Odensehuis in Hellevoetsluis, I sang along with care singer Else Wagemakers. And at Boa Vinda, I got to experience a boxing activity up close. This allowed me to see just how much these activities can mean, and I hope even more people will find their way there.”
The theme of World Alzheimer’s Day 2026 is “I’ll Keep Participating.” This aligns with the City of Voorne aan Zee ’s goal of enabling residents with dementia to continue participating in daily life and society for as long and as fully as possible.
Voorne aan Zee In 2025, the municipality received the “Dementia-Friendly Municipality” certification after completing the dementia scan. This certification demonstrates that the municipality is working together with organizations, volunteers, and informal care supporters to create an environment in which residents with dementia and their informal caregivers feel supported and welcome. Approximately 1,600 residents with dementia live in the municipality; this number is expected to grow to 2,000 by 2030.
Voorne aan Zee offers various services and partnerships, such as Alzheimer’s Meeting Places, group and individual support for family caregivers, easy access to dementia case managers, and daytime activities and gathering places, such as the Odensehuis in Brielle and Hellevoetsluis. Through these activities and partnerships, Voorne aan Zee aims to contribute to greater awareness, understanding, and support for people with dementia and those around them.