Inspirational guide to volunteering by people with dementia

Together with Give A Day and Dementievriendelijk Gent, Arteveldehogeschool developed an inspiration guide on volunteering by people with dementia. Hanne Bossuyt, occupational therapy lecturer and researcher at Arteveldehogeschool: "Dementia is no reason not to volunteer. On the contrary, it helps to continue participating socially and physically in society." They choose something that suits their talents, interests and abilities. Think repairing bicycles, maintaining gardens, going for a walk with someone, etc.  

"Emphasising what they can do is a strength. Volunteering by people with dementia is promoted or enabled by few agencies," says Bart Wolput of Give A Day. "The inspiration guide 'Creating opportunities for persons with dementia to volunteer' provides specific tips and tricks for carers and agencies working in practice with persons with dementia." 

The inspiration guide was created during a support group 'Creating opportunities for persons with dementia to volunteer'. This support group ran during the previous academic year. This is a great example of co-creation between different organisations. In the inspiration guide, several persons with dementia testify how they experience volunteering. Vera is one such person. She says: "I go and lend a hand twice a week at the animal shelter near here. I feed the dogs and cats or help clean their cages. I was a bit insecure at first, but now I am already well seasoned. I enjoy going, I contribute and feel useful and appreciated."   

Want to know more?

• Hanne Bossuyt - hanne.bossuyt@arteveldehs.be  
• Bart Wolput - Directeur Give a Day - bart@giveaday.be