Independent client support worker: what can they do?

An independent client support worker can think along with you when care becomes complicated. They help you find your way through schemes, conversations, and choices. That can provide peace of mind when a lot is happening at once.

What does an independent client support worker do?

An independent client support worker thinks along with you about care, housing, work, education, and parenting. You can also bring up questions about transport, school, income, and aids.

This help is separate from the municipality and from care providers. The support worker has a duty of confidentiality. They help you clarify your support request and look for the route that fits.

What can you use this help for?

You can use independent client support if you get stuck between agencies. Then someone looks with you at which care law or institution is appropriate.

This can also help with questions about aids or the transition from hospital to home. The support provides explanations and helps you on your way to the responsible institution. So it is help finding the route, not a promise that care will be assigned.

How does it help with a conversation or application?

The support worker can go with you to a meeting with the municipality or the care office. They also help fill in forms.

Together you can discuss what care need you have and where the arrangement is getting stuck. That is useful if you do not yet know which office is appropriate. You get help with the application; the next step remains with the organization that decides.

Is this help free and independent?

Yes, this help is free. You do not need a referral for it.

Independent means that the support worker is on your side. Not on the municipality’s side. The support is also bound by a duty of confidentiality.

Where can you find this help in Zoetermeer?

You can find independent client support in Zoetermeer through Zorgbelang. That can also be done via the current local organization shown for independent client support.

For respite care, you can also contact the caregiving coordinators of inZet. They provide free advice. For complicated care laws, independent client support can help as additional support.

What can you do if you know you want help?

1. Check whether your question is about care, housing, work, school, income, or an application.
2. Ask for free independent client support if you want help finding the right route.
3. Bring what you are stuck on. Then someone can think along with you in a targeted way.

For the Wmo and Youth Act, your municipality arranges this; for the Wlz, it can be handled through the care office.