Providing informal care

Many people do not realise that they are informal carers. Perhaps you are also wondering whether you are an informal carer. You are an informal carer if you have been looking after someone for more than 3 months, for more than 8 hours a week, without being paid for it. For example, because that person is ill or has a disability.

As a carer, you look after someone with whom you have a personal relationship, such as your partner, child, father, mother or friend. Many people take it for granted that they should go the extra mile for their partner or a family member. That doesn’t mean it isn’t hard, whether you’re actively doing something or simply living with worries about a loved one. That’s why there is support available for carers and a carer recognition scheme.

 
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Register with the Municipal Informal Care Hub

Mantelzorg de Kap Urban Care Hub

The De Kap Urban Informal Care Hub is the organisation in the municipality of Apeldoorn where informal carers can turn to for information, advice, support groups, activities and the chance to connect with other informal carers.

You can also contact the Stedelijk Knooppunt Mantelzorg de Kap for respite care. This is a form of replacement care, giving you, as a carer, some time for yourself. Someone else will then temporarily take over your care responsibilities. The options for this replacement care are:

  • from time to time (occasionally) or regularly (on a regular basis)
  • for a few hours or for a longer period
  • at the carer’s or service user’s home or elsewhere
  • by volunteers or professional staff, or a combination of both

Would you like to find out more? Then take a look at the website for the Mantelzorg Community Care Hub at De Kap or get in touch via info@dekap.nl or telephone number 055-52 95 520.

Informal Care NL

The national association Informal Care NL supports everyone who looks after someone else. The website contains a wealth of information for informal carers. For example, it explains what is important when dealing with your GP, the local authority and the care provider. MantelzorgNL also offers books, leaflets and downloads in its online shop. Here you will also find information about respite care.

Once again this year, Apeldoorn Council is thanking its informal carers with the Informal Carer Appreciation Scheme.

For more information and to apply for the informal carer’s allowance, please visit the page Apply for informal carer recognition.

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