Many seniors find it challenging to navigate the wide range of available services. Through Senior Month, Sint-Niklaas aims to demonstrate that help and support are often closer than people realize. Staff and volunteers from various services and organizations are ready to assist seniors and their families. By making this support visible and accessible, the city seeks to lower the barrier to seeking help or advice.
Starting in November, senior inspectors Hans, Kurt, and Alyssia will become recognizable points of contact for seniors, caregivers, family members, and organizations working with the elderly. They will address safety concerns and guide individuals to the appropriate service or organization. This initiative is deeply rooted in the community, as the inspectors are also neighborhood officers. This familiarity with the areas allows them to quickly identify issues and provide targeted assistance. They will combine this new role with their daily presence in the neighborhoods, ensuring services remain close to people, both literally and figuratively.
“"People don't always have to figure out which service their query belongs to. Sometimes, just having someone listen and help find the right solution is enough. We want to be an accessible point of contact where residents can come with their questions or concerns."
Collaboration is also central behind the scenes. The senior inspectors will work closely with local service centers, care organizations, social services, the senior advisory council, and other partners. During Senior Month, residents can discover this network of services through information sessions at the city hall, the welfare house, the Waasland emergency services, Zorgpunt Waasland, an information market on proximity services in De Klavers, and numerous other activities, learning about the support available in Sint-Niklaas and how to access it.
The full program can be found in the Senior Month 2026 brochure or at www.sint-niklaas.be/senioren.
