Alternatives to informal care by children

Many children want to help their parents as they get older. This is often very natural. Dropping by, helping with groceries, or going to an appointment together is part of caring for one another for many families.

However, informal care can become more intensive over time. Work, a family of one's own, and other obligations sometimes make it difficult to continue combining everything effectively. As a result, the pressure on informal caregivers can gradually increase.

In such situations, families often seek additional support so that parents can continue living comfortably at home without the care falling entirely on the children's shoulders.


Zorg organiseren binnen de familie

Wanneer ouders meer hulp nodig hebben, proberen families vaak eerst samen een oplossing te vinden.

Sometimes the care is divided among several children or family members. In other cases, neighbors or friends lend a hand. Volunteer organizations can also provide support.

In addition, some families opt for professional support at home, providing a reliable supplement to help from family.

You can find more information about this on our page about home-based informal care support.


Ondersteuning aan huis

For many families, it helps when a regular support worker visits regularly. Someone who takes the time for the elderly person and simultaneously relieves the family.

A dedicated support worker can, for example, help with:

  • preparing or eating meals together
  • offer companionship and a listening ear
  • take a walk or go outside together
  • help with small daily tasks
  • structuur brengen in de week

It is precisely the regular contact moment that often makes a big difference. Older people feel less alone, and informal caregivers know that someone is involved who visits regularly.

Lees ook meer over de rol van een gezelschapsdame voor ouderen


Ensuring a good balance together

For many families, it is not about completely handing over care, but about finding a good balance. Informal care provided by children remains important, but can sometimes be better supplemented with additional support.

Door ondersteuning te organiseren die past bij de situatie van een ouder, blijft het mogelijk om prettig en zelfstandig thuis te blijven wonen, terwijl de druk op familieleden vermindert.