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Support services for informal carers

Are you an informal carer for someone close to you? Then some emotional and practical support will probably come in handy. Helan eases your worries with a wide range of services.

Advice from our social services

As an informal carer, you have your hands full and a lot on your mind. But you are not on your own. Would you like to know more about allowances and leave schemes for informal carers? Are you looking for more time for yourself? Do you need help applying for specific benefits?

You can turn to our social workers free of charge for a listening ear, a helping hand and tailored advice. On both an emotional and a practical level.

Emotional support for informal carers

As an informal carer, your first duty is to take good care of yourself. Not only physically, but mentally too. Because resilience is your superpower as an informal carer. Remember that you are never on your own:

  • Find out where you can turn for a listening ear or a conversation with people in the same situation.
  • Having a difficult moment? There are plenty of helplines you can call on.
  • Find recognition, and see your own experience reflected, in the stories of other carers.

Extra help at home through our home care services

Are you an informal carer? Helan is glad to take part of the care off your hands. With practical help from professionals, you keep as much time and energy as possible to simply be there for the person in need of care. Because informal care is about far more than practical help.

To make the most of this support, apply for official recognition as an informal carer through your health insurance fund. Would you like tailored help or advice? Make an appointment with Helan's social workers. Drop into the office near you or book a video call. 

With a wide range of services, we lighten your workload as an informal carer. Discover your options.

Care at home

Care at home means extra hands for personal care, administrative tasks and housework. For a long period or just for a short while. You can count on our professional care workers for that.

Household help

Do you need a helping hand around the house? Our well-trained household helpers will be glad to make life easier for you. For ironing, you can also visit our Ironing Shops or Ironing Points near you. As an informal carer, you can apply for authorisation to manage the service vouchers. You do this via Pluxee (Sodexo).

Companion care

Our volunteer companions provide company and support. In familiar surroundings. That is not only practical, it is also enjoyable.

Temporary care options

Take your pick from the many options for temporary care: from short stays and care stays to day or night care.

Home adaptation

How can you live comfortably at home with the best possible quality of life? Our occupational therapists give you tailored advice free of charge.

Personal alarm

A personal alarm turns your house into a safe home. One press of the button and you are in good hands.

Care holidays

Would you like to enjoy a carefree holiday even though you need home nursing, dialysis or other medical care? You can, thanks to the specialist travel organisation Zorgvakanties.

Apply for home

Buying and renting equipment

Are you looking for aids to stay healthy or to recover? At the Helan Healthcare Shop, you can buy and rent medical and healthcare equipment. Quality comes as standard.

  • In our webshop, you will find everything you need to stay healthy and fit. With a wide range for every age, free delivery from 50 euros and free returns. As a Helan customer, you also enjoy attractive discounts and benefits.
  • Our equipment loan service lets you rent rehabilitation and home care equipment at attractive rates. A wheelchair or a hospital bed, for example. Our range is extensive and everything is delivered to your door, including expert installation and cleaning.

Discover the Healthcare Shop

Help care for informal carers

Do you know an informal carer? Discover our tips for supporting that superhero. 

Everyone who cares for another person, officially recognised as an informal carer or not, deserves a round of applause and a helping hand.

Do you know a carer? Or are you one yourself? Take the test and receive a gift.

Take the test

Here's where you can get help

The Caregiver Knowledge Centre aims to inform, raise awareness and provide accurate referrals for caregivers. Twice a year, you can attend a gathering for caregivers in your province.

At the Dementia Expertise Centre Flanders, you’ll find plenty of practical information for caregivers of people with dementia. The website omgaanmetdementie.be also offers interactive guidance.

Use socialekaart.be to find your way to respite services, short‑stay options and more.

At Tele Onthaal, a listening ear is only a phone call or chat window away.

Rechtenverkenner.be gives you a comprehensive overview of financial support options, such as allowances and benefits.

Baluchon Alzheimer is a home‑care service that allows caregivers to take a well‑deserved break.

For parents of young children with a disability or chronic illness, there is a dedicated project by KU Leuven.

You might also be interested in these topics

As an informal carer, you want to give your loved one the best possible care and support. The more you know about the challenges and possibilities facing the person in need of care, the further you will get together. Here are a few links to read up on.

Getting older in good health and full of energy: that is what we all want. Discover information and tips here to help you feel stronger in life. Without worries. Because there is no age limit on wellbeing and comfort.

Around 100,000 people in Flanders have dementia. But what exactly is dementia? How do you deal with it and how can you best help? Find out here.

In Belgium, one in ten people will experience some form of incontinence sooner or later. What is incontinence? Can it be prevented? And how can it be treated? Read all about it.

Falls are best avoided. But how do you do that? And what help and guidance does Helan offer? Find out on our page about fall prevention.

Reduced mobility? A fall? That does not necessarily mean someone can no longer live independently at home. With these tips from our occupational therapists, you work step by step towards a safe environment. Both indoors and outdoors.

Are you entitled to a PVB or PAB? Through Helpper, you can pay your informal carers legally and easily with your care budget. What is more, Helpper insures you both.

Benefits and reimbursements

Helan supports you with attractive benefits and reimbursements. Here is a selection from our range:

Discover all benefits

Social Work department

Information, support and advice on care solutions and financial support. You can count on the experts at Helan’s Social Work department.

Helpper

Use Helpper to pay your caregiver(s) using your care budget

Home sitting for people in need of care

Companionship in your familiar surroundings, provided by a volunteer. Also supporting informal carers.

Care and Support

Maternity care, home care, home nursing, medical supplies, financial support, or personal advice. Count on the care services of Helan and find the support you need.

Need home care?

Professional personal care, administrative support and household help for you and your loved ones. Available for a short period or long-term support.

Request your household help

Busy home life? Helan’s well-trained household helpers are happy to take some tasks off your hands.

Helan Healthcare shop

Whether you’re looking for products to help you stay healthy and fit, or a wheelchair to support your recovery, the Helan Care Shop offers high-quality medical and healthcare equipment you can rely on.