A recent and inspiring workshop took place as part of the development of the Dementia Care Path — a project carried out by local organizations and made possible through a grant provided by ZonMW specifically for the Caribbean Netherlands.
Representatives from healthcare and treatment, social welfare, government, police, and various advocacy organizations, including Fundashon Alzheimer Bonaire, came together with one shared goal: to improve coordination and alignment of support for people with dementia and their loved ones.
Mrs. Jacqueline shared her moving personal story about life with her husband, who has dementia. Her candid account deeply touched participants and illustrated how significant the impact of dementia is — not only for the individual, but also for their partner, family, and wider community.
Following her testimony, participants engaged in group discussions to brainstorm how existing services could better collaborate and strengthen one another. Around the various tables, lively conversations emerged about recognizing early signs, daytime activities, caregiver support, and information sharing between professionals. Participants exchanged experiences, identified challenges, and contributed valuable ideas for improvement.
The atmosphere was energetic and full of connection — “knowledge leads to appreciation” became the motto of the day. Good dementia care is a shared responsibility. The slogan of the project captures this spirit perfectly: “Tin Sèmper un kaminda si nos bai huntu,” which roughly translates to “If we move forward together, we will always find a way.”
The outcomes of this session will be incorporated into the ongoing development of the Dementia Care Path — a practical roadmap designed to ensure smooth collaboration and recognizable support for people with dementia and their loved ones, from the first signs of the condition through to the later stages of the illness.
“We have once again seen how much commitment and expertise exist on our island,” said project leader Sigiona Provence of Fundashon Mariadal. “By working together, we can truly make a difference for people with dementia and their loved ones.”
With this workshop, an important step has been taken toward a dementia-friendly island — one in which everyone matters, and where healthcare, social welfare, and the community are able to find and support each other. Throughout each phase of the project, similar sessions will be organized to share updates and gather feedback from all stakeholders.
For more information about this project, please contact Ms. Daniëlle van der Linden of the Public Entity of Bonaire at danielle.vanderlinden@bonairegov.com.
Press release: Government of Bonaire
