Steunpunt Mantelzorg also thinks with you

"For some time I have been accompanying an elderly lady who has long cared for her husband who recently passed away. To those around her, it seems like the worries are over when the partner is no longer there. But for the lady a lot of other worries arose. Her daytime activities suddenly fell away completely. After years of worrying, there was no room left for hobbies or social contacts. There was also the question of whether she could manage financially on her own. Ms. knew no better than that she had to take care of someone else, so her network had become smaller and smaller. Together with her son and the caregiver, I started looking for solutions. It's about using the network to help someone. And that you don't let go, but keep thinking along with them. In her case, she came to me as a family caregiver, and I continue to help her until I can refer her to other thinkers. Together with the client, we look for the balance in what is on someone's plate. 

At the Mantelzorg Steunpunt, each colleague has his or her own area of interest. My colleagues and the other colleagues complement each other in many areas. Questions for support come to us directly, or via the primary care physician's practice support person or the dementia case manager. Many caregivers also come in via the Mantelzorgcompliment. We then contact them to ask if they need anything. This can be very diverse, from emotional support to just venting. In general, people are surprised that they are asked. They are so used to putting themselves away. We then ask, "What do you need?" Sometimes that's practical support, for example help with housekeeping, transportation such as Automaatje or Omnibuzz, or customized Health . The Neighborhood Links can also play a role in this, by increasing the carrying capacity and network. Together, we look at whether neighbors can help from time to time, for example, or others in the neighborhood. We can also arrange accompaniment to hospital appointments, by sending a volunteer along to appointments such as blood tests or check-ups. The caregiver then has some time to himself. That is incredibly valuable, that by sparring together you can help people get back on their feet."

Want to know more?

• Steunpunt Mantelzorg Parkstad
• Phone: 045-2114000