In the Etten-Leur municipality, some 1,700 informal carers are registered with Surplus. These informal carers are supported in various ways. Besides coaching, information and advice, informal carers can, for example, take part in workshops, courses and other activities. About having dementia, Surplus made a video with the personal stories of Wim and Anna.

Leonie Willemse is a social worker at Surplus and closely involved in supporting informal carers: “Research shows that around 1,100 residents in Etten-Leur live at home with dementia. This makes dementia not only a care issue, but also a social issue. How can we together ensure that people with dementia and their informal carers can live a pleasant life for as long as possible? Everyone wants to remain independent and continue doing things that are important for as long as possible. Surplus thinks along with this. We offer activities, (voluntary) support and information around memory problems. Research has shown that informal carers appreciate videos on all kinds of topics. That is why we regularly make videos with personal stories. In the video ‘The heart does not forget’, Wim talks about his visit to the Meeting Place. Anna was carer for her now-deceased husband Hans. Anna tells how she went through all the stages with Hans and how she looked for ways to cope with his illness. Ellen, coordinator of Activity Centre 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 centres in Etten-Leur : De Slotjes, Dommelbergen and De Bunthoef. All kinds of activities are organised in these centres, for example at De Ontmoetingsplek in De Slotjes, Slotjesveld 15, on Tuesday and Thursday mornings. Here there is space for Etten-Leur people with dementia and their loved ones. Drop in for a friendly chat and good conversation. Every last Monday evening of the month, the Alzheimer Café is also organised here. Each month a new theme is discussed. For info and registration, call 0162 - 430 032.

Family member and questions?
The “Dementia and Now” group is organised regularly. Here, participants discuss how dementia can change perception and behaviour and what support is possible. In addition, Surplus offers tools to keep taking good care of yourself in this process.

For personal questions, appropriate support, a volunteer buddy, the consultants are also happy to think along with you. Call 0162 - 748 600 or send an e-mail to mantelzorg.etten-leur@surplus.nl