SINT MAARTEN (ST. JOHN’S ESTATE) - The White & Yellow Cross Care Foundation (WYCCF) is proud that a dementia case manager training has started on the SSS-islands, with professionals from Saba, St. Eustatius, Bonaire, and three from the WYCCF on Sint Maarten, who will leave for a study trip to the Netherlands from September 30th to October 3rd.
Launched in April 2025, the program equips eleven nurses, and social workers from Saba, St. Eustatius, St. Maarten, and Bonaire with the skills to guide people living with dementia, and their families, through every step of the journey, from first concerns to possible long-term care.
Developed in partnership with the Dementia Academy (founded by Saskia Danen) and trainer/consultant Marieke Dooremalen, the tailor-made trajectory addresses a pressing need in our region.
While dementia is rising rapidly, knowledge, coordination, and family support often lag. Shame, stigma, and underdiagnosis leave many without appropriate care. By investing together in the role of dementia case manager (an entirely new function for our islands), care organizations aim to structurally improve the quality of care and support.
Participants are trained in three complementary roles:
- Dementia expert: guiding clients and loved ones, coordinating the right care, and advising fellow professionals.
- Network coordinator: mapping local networks and strengthening collaboration across providers and community partners.
- Advocate: raising awareness, breaking taboos, and helping build a dementia-friendly community.
“These roles reinforce each other and create a genuine integrated care approach,” says trainer Marieke Dooremalen. “We give case managers practical tools to connect with residents, associations, GPs, social services, and with each other. That collaboration builds momentum; other professionals and organizations benefit too.”
As part of the program, the cohort will make this study visit to the Netherlands. Planned stops include Alzheimer Nederland, the Migrant Clinic of the Alzheimer Center Rotterdam, the Odensehuis Amersfoort, and care organization Tante Louise.
The group will also join a Caribbean cooking session with people with dementia at the Zorgerf in Putten. Throughout the week, they will exchange experiences with Dutch colleagues, with special attention to cultural perspectives on dementia.
“WYCCF is committed to strengthening dementia care for St. Maarten and our neighboring islands,” says WYCCF. “This training not only builds local expertise; it also fosters two-way learning about culturally sensitive care.”
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