Informal care no longer manageable: where can you ask for help?

It is important to know where you can ask for help so that you are not alone during this difficult time.

Informal caregivers often feel overwhelmed by the responsibilities they bear. If you feel that you can no longer manage the care, it is crucial to seek help. There are various ways to get support, from professional help to assistance from your network. This article provides an overview of where you can ask for help today.

What to do in case of acute safety?

If you, as an informal caregiver, feel that you can no longer manage the care, it is important to ask for help immediately. This can be a difficult step, but you are not alone.

What to do in case of acute safety?

• If you are in life-threatening danger or have a concrete plan that you want to execute, call 112. Your safety is the most important thing.
• If you notice that the care is turning into shouting, threatening, or violence, first take care of yourself and your loved one. In this case, also call 112 if there is immediate danger.
• If there is no immediate danger, but you feel that the situation is no longer manageable, contact Veilig Thuis, your general practitioner, district nurse, or informal care supporter. They can help you and think along anonymously.
• Ask for replacement care or temporary takeover to relieve the pressure. This helps to stabilize the situation.

It is important to take these steps so that you can regain control of the situation. What do you need right now to feel better?

How do I ask for help with overload?

If you notice that the informal care is no longer manageable, it is important to ask for help. Overload can lead to physical and mental complaints, such as fatigue, irritability, and depression. These are signals that you need support.

Asking for help

1. Talk about it: Discuss with your loved one and involved professionals which tasks you can no longer bear. This can help to find solutions together.
2. Contact professionals: You can ask for help from the district nurse, the care office, or the client support desk. They can help you find professional care or replacement support.
3. Acute situations: If you find yourself in an unsafe situation, use the route for acute respite care or emergency care. You do not have to continue providing medical actions or supervision without an alternative.

It is important to raise the alarm in time. At the informal care desk, you can share your story and look together at what helps. Do you feel unsafe or afraid that things will go wrong? Discuss this with your general practitioner.

What would you like to do now to improve the situation?

Where can I find local support?

If you notice that you can no longer manage the care, there are various places where you can find local support.

Informal care desks are a good starting point. Here you can go for information and guidance. You do not have to feel 'heavy enough' first; asking for help is always allowed. This can help you to manage the care longer.

Additionally, there is the Informal Care Line from MantelzorgNL. This is a national line where you can share your story. You can contact them with various questions, such as about combining care with work or if it becomes too much for you. You do not have to be in crisis to call or text; even doubts or fatigue are enough reason to reach out.

Would you like to know more about these options?

What if my loved one does not want help?

If your loved one does not want help, it can be very difficult. It is important to understand that no one can be forced to accept care. Often, fears or shame play a role. Therefore, start with small steps, such as having a familiar face come by or taking over one task. This can help to build trust.

Sometimes it can help if someone else, such as a family member or a general practitioner, initiates the conversation. Don't forget that you also need support. At the informal care desk, you can discuss how to deal with the refusal of help and where you can find support for yourself.

If you find it difficult to ask for help, think of a specific task or moment. This can be something simple, like grocery shopping together. If you need help formulating your request for help, the informal care line can think along with you.

What would you like to try to improve the situation?

How do I arrange replacement care?

If you notice that you can no longer manage the care, it is important to arrange replacement care quickly. This can help to relieve the pressure. Here are some steps you can follow:

• Contact the care office if your loved one has a Wlz indication. They can look into extra care at home or a temporary admission.
• If there is no Wlz indication, you can approach the municipality. They are responsible if your loved one cannot stay safely at home without your help.
• Call the district nurse if there is already district nursing. They can assess whether extra care is possible.
• In case of direct medical danger, call 112. For less urgent situations without life danger, you can contact the WMO desk, district nursing, or the care office.

Make sure to take action in time. Do you feel overwhelmed? That is understandable. It is good to share what you need. What would help you the most right now?