Maybe you’ve recently started caring for someone you love. Or you’ve been doing it for longer. But you still don’t quite know what you need to arrange. You do have questions. You just can’t put them into words. And you don’t know who to turn to.
Does it feel like that? That’s completely normal. Especially at the start, everything seems like a lot, and hard to keep track of. All sorts of things come at you. And no one gave you a manual. It doesn’t all have to be clear at once, either. You don’t have to figure it out yourself. And certainly not alone.
On this site, we’ll calmly help you on your way. You don’t have to know exactly what you’re looking for. Even then, you can get further here. Below, you’ll read how to find your way. Just choose what feels most comfortable right now.
Just ask Sophie
Don’t know how to ask your question? That’s all right. Just type it in your own words. Exactly as you’d say it to a good friend. For example: “I’m exhausted, I don’t know how to keep this up.” Or: “My mother won’t accept help, what now?”
Sophie is the assistant on this site. She thinks along with you. She reads your question and calmly thinks it over. Then she points you to the answer or the help that suits you. You don’t have to use difficult words. And you don’t have to figure anything out in advance. Asking one question is enough. Then you’re already on your way.
Would you rather look around yourself? Browse the topics
Would you rather first look around yourself, without asking anything right away? That’s possible too. In the topics, you’ll find clear explanations. They’re about the things that caregivers often run into. For example, when the care becomes too much for you, how to catch your breath, or how to apply for help from your municipality (gemeente).
Feel free to click around. You’ll come across something that feels familiar. From there, you’ll find your way onward.
Looking for help close by? Take a look at Help nearby
Sometimes you’re not looking for an explanation. You’re just looking for an organisation or someone near you who can help. Then take a look at Help nearby. There you’ll find support close to you. For example, someone who listens to you, practical help, or advice on how to move forward.
Would you rather speak to a person?
Would you rather not read all of this yourself? Do you just want to speak to someone? That’s very understandable. You can always turn to:
- your GP — often the first person you can turn to, for you and for your loved one;
- your municipality, at the Wmo desk — this is where you apply for practical help. For example, help at home, aids, or someone to take over the care for a while. (Wmo stands for Wet maatschappelijke ondersteuning.)
- the MantelzorgLijn — for information, advice, or simply to share your story with someone who listens.
You don’t have to know exactly what to ask in advance. Just say what’s bothering you. The rest comes on its own.
A quick summary
Don’t quite know yet what you’re looking for? That’s normal. You don’t have to know it all at once. On this site, you can find your way in four ways. You ask Sophie your question in your own words. You browse the topics. You take a look at Help nearby. Or you speak to a person: your GP, your municipality, or the MantelzorgLijn.
What now?
Just start somewhere. Ask Sophie one question in your own words. A question about whatever is on your mind the most right now. That’s all you need to do for now. You don’t have to figure it out alone. Asking one question is already enough. Then you’re on your way.
