More than a buddy: how one volunteer touched three lives
Sometimes value is found in something small: a walk, a cup of tea, a good conversation. That's what Marijke (76) experienced thanks to Surplus“ buddy program. Her buddy Mariska and son/caregiver Wilbert tell how a simple idea grew into a meaningful bond. For Mariska, the adventure began after a turning point in her own life. "After a brain infarct, she was able to [...]
Summer light for family caregivers
Summer has begun! Time for sun on your face, wind in your hair and hopefully: a little peace in your head. Because let's face it: as an informal caregiver you are always there for others. Especially in the summer, when regular care is less available and people go on vacation, it can be extra intensive [...]
What can I do for myself as a family caregiver, and what for my neighbor with cognitive problems?
Psychologist Emina of the organization Mijzo is involved in the Alzheimer's cafe. In this blog, she talks more about self-care and caring for your loved one with cognitive problems: Let's go back in time for a moment: 1973. Researchers discovered that there are ten cranial nerves in the neck that have different functions. One of them is the nerve [...]
How do you stay in touch with friends and family in addition to your informal caregiving responsibilities?
Do you feel that your world is getting smaller and smaller because of your informal care responsibilities? That friendships are fading and your social circle is becoming more and more distant? You are not alone. Fortunately, you can take steps to maintain and even strengthen your social circle. In this blog, you'll discover how. You are not the [...]
Sonlief plays alone
Suzanne combines work, care and parenting and wrote a blog about it: My 7-year-old son was diagnosed with ASD. That didn't come as a surprise, I had suspected it for some time. I did find it difficult to determine when ‘abnormal’ is also ‘problematic’. In my opinion, it is a process in which the most important thing is: is he [...]
How do you write a life story?
There are several reasons to write a life story. Consider a moment of reflection and comfort, getting to know each other better or wanting to create a document for yourself for when you start losing memories. The life story can be of value to someone with care, as well as family members [....]
Are you one of those people who are always ready for a neighbor, but forget about your own structure?
Especially for you then, tips for planning, relaxing and cleaning up. As a family caregiver, it's easy to get caught up in daily caregiving tasks. This can turn your own agenda, home and structure into chaos. We would like to give you some tips to help you get organized: Your Home: A tidy home gives a tidy [...]
Are you caring for someone at home and feeling alone this summer?
Many family caregivers have a smaller social circle due to caregiving and feel alone during the vacation season. During these weeks the sun shines, but there is not always enough care, support, relaxation or distraction. In addition, the vacations may push you to the brink more. Informal care always goes on ... But, everyone, however, has [....]
Four ways you can relax and recharge
Four ways you can relax and recharge As a family caregiver, you are actually always short of time. While you know it is necessary to take time for yourself. You know better than anyone how important it is to be in balance so that you can take care of someone else. If you are a long-term caregiver, then [...]
The cliché: You can't take good care of another until you take good care of yourself first
Kim is a corporate social worker at Surplus Care and Wellness. She wrote a blog for us! “Mental well-being is the central pillar in my work as a corporate social worker at Surplus. Every day I talk to people who are no longer comfortable in their own skin. They experience stress, tension, overwork or pressure. Also fatigue, concentration and memory problems and irritability [...]
Blog: How do I keep balance?
Suzanne combines work, care and parenthood and wrote a blog about it. Recently, I was sitting with some (caregiving) women having a nice glass of wine when we got to talking about our society of men, because if there is one topic that lends itself perfectly to an evening of wine with women only... After spending hours bending over unequal [...]
‘Family caregivers worry a lot about care’: client supporter can support
In the story series ‘Who do I have on the line?’ client supporters of Zorgbelang Brabant|Zeeland tell about their daily work. Who do they talk to? With which questions? How are issues resolved and what do they encounter? In this episode of ‘Who am I talking to’, client support worker Ineke van Wel. [...]
