Every general practice in Almere now has a wellbeing coach from Welzijn op Recept. This means that residents can receive appropriate support for complaints that have a social rather than medical cause. General practitioners see residents daily with complaints stemming from stress, loneliness, loss, financial worries, or a lack of structure in daily life.
In such situations, medical care is not always the best solution. A wellbeing coach can work together to identify the underlying cause of the complaints and provide support that truly fits the personal situation. Welzijn op Recept focuses not only on treating symptoms but especially on strengthening wellbeing and resilience.
“Not every complaint requires a medical solution. Sometimes it helps if someone can participate again, meet people, or gain more clarity. The wellbeing coach looks together with residents at what is possible and what gives energy,” says project leader Welzijn op Recept Maaike Vriesema.
Two Birds with One Stone
Thanks to the wellbeing coach, residents receive faster support that fits their situation. General practitioners spend less time on social and societal problems and thus have more time for medical care.
“With Welzijn op Recept, we take an important step forward. We kill two birds with one stone,” explains Alderman for Public Health Nienke Nieuwenhuizen. “Residents regain control over their lives with help from wellbeing coaches and receive appropriate support where needed. At the same time, we relieve general practitioners so they can focus on medical care. This not only strengthens the wellbeing of our residents but also makes Almere more attractive for healthcare professionals to work here.”
For All Almere Residents
Welzijn op Recept is now available to all Almere residents. The general practitioner or practice nurse refers you, after which the wellbeing coach contacts you for an appointment. Together you decide which steps you want to take. The wellbeing coach informs you about the possibilities and together you make a plan. Think, for example, of meeting new people, cooking and eating together, picking up a hobby, or a physical activity.
Collaboration ReHA, De Schoor, and the Municipality of Almere
Welzijn op Recept is a project of Positief Gezond Almere. Care and welfare look together at what people need to feel good and participate in the city. Welzijn op Recept is a collaboration between ReHA (Regional Organization of General Practitioners Almere) and De Schoor, Welfare in Almere.