A new course on coping with dementia for family members will start soon at activity centre De Slotjes in Etten-Leur. The programme informs about caring for someone with dementia and taking care of yourself.

Dementia and Now aims to help family members understand and cope with dementia. During ten meetings, we discuss themes such as: empathy with changing perception and behaviour, dealing with care, communication, regulation issues, safety and self-care. The psycho-education package is an initiative of Into D'mentia, Expertisecentrum Vlaanderen and Alzheimer Liga Vlaanderen.

The course is offered several times a year during daytime and evening hours by Surplus Mantelzorg and is free of charge for informal carers from Etten-Leur and Geertruidenberg. Both participation in the meetings and the course materials provided are free of charge. Is a loved one unable to stay at home alone? Then he/she is welcome at De Ontmoetingsplek during the course. Several groups meet long-term after the course to exchange experiences and continue learning. For registration for the next group, information on informal care or buddy help, please contact via e-mail mantelzorg.etten-leur@surplus.nl or phone 0162-748600.