Who helps you when you can no longer manage alone? Running errands, a ride to the hospital, or simply someone who asks how you are doing. For many people, these are small things, but they make a big difference. Alderman Evert Westerbeek sees how important it is that residents find each other and explains why looking out for each other is becoming increasingly important.
For Westerbeek, it starts with contact between people, in the neighborhood and daily life. That people trust each other and dare to ask for help when needed. “When people need care, their world often becomes smaller. While it should actually become bigger.”
Asking for help is not self-evident
Westerbeek sees daily that asking for help is not self-evident. “Especially among the older generation. My own parents are in their eighties. When a caregiver asks how they are doing, they quickly say they are fine. While I see that walking is actually no longer so easy.”
The tendency to appear stronger than you are runs deep. “In the past, you were not supposed to complain, but just keep going. That still makes it difficult for many people to ask for help. Especially now, it is important to take that step.”
Moreover, family members live less often nearby and social contacts are different than before. “Relying on friends or neighbors has become less self-evident, while mutual help is becoming increasingly important.”
Social Team Overbetuwe
In our country, the aging population is increasing, while the number of care workers is lagging behind and costs are rising. This calls for different choices. “We cannot continue as we always have. If we do, we will get stuck and soon will not be able to provide care to those who really need it.”
Therefore, first it is examined what people can do themselves and who in their environment can help. “That does not mean people have to figure it out themselves. Often people, with support from their network, can find solutions. Not every request for help is immediately a care request. But if people really need help, then we step in.”
The Social Team Overbetuwe (STO) plays an important role in this. “The STO is a low-threshold place where residents can go with questions about health, parenting, money, housing, and participation. Together we look at what is needed and what help fits.”
Meeting prevents care
Preventing problems is better than solving them afterwards. If people know each other and look out for each other in time, heavier care can often be prevented. Meeting places in villages and neighborhoods play an important role in this.
In every village in Overbetuwe there is now a Living Room where people can meet and keep an eye on each other. “Sometimes a cup of coffee with someone is enough to notice that more is going on.”
Many residents volunteer for others. Caregivers also play a big role. They receive support in the form of information, advice, and meeting. “Volunteers and caregivers are indispensable. They form an important part of care for each other.”
Who can provide help if needed?
Help and support from the municipality are not unlimited. Therefore, careful consideration is given to what someone really needs. “We first look at what someone can do themselves and what is possible with help from family, friends, or neighbors. This ensures help remains available for those who really need it.”
This also asks something from residents. Westerbeek encourages people to think about this in time. “Who could you ask if you need help? Who in your neighborhood can run an errand, do a small job, or just listen? Talk about it today.”
The municipality also supports the development of precautionary circles: small groups of neighbors who know each other and help each other when needed.
Look out for each other
His call to residents is simple but not without obligation. “Look out for each other. Help each other a little where you can. Not everything has to go through the municipality.” That can be small: ringing the doorbell for a chat or taking someone along to an activity. “I don’t want people to become lonely in the last phase of their lives or only be busy with care. Everyone needs a reason to get up in the morning and do something. I hope to contribute to that.”
More information and support can be found at www.sociaalteamoverbetuwe.nl and www.OnsOverbetuwe.nl, where residents can also share activities and initiatives themselves.
“We must organize care differently so that it remains available for the people who really need it.”