‘Sometimes older people have more support around them than they realise’

Who can you ring for a cup of coffee, a listening ear, some company or practical help? Networking coach Bertineke Martens helps people aged 65 and over in Lelystad to consciously reflect on this. ‘Together, we look at who plays a role in your life, but also how you can expand your social circle.’

Bertineke visits older people at home and works with them to map out their network. Who is close by, and who is a bit further away? And are there perhaps people you’d like to be in touch with more often?

Surprising insights

This sometimes yields surprising insights. For example, Bertineke visited an 89-year-old lady who, following the death of her husband, was keen to meet new people. During their conversation, she discovered that she actually still had quite a few people around her: children, grandchildren, friends and neighbours.

‘Just as I was about to leave, someone rang the doorbell who wasn’t even in our network. That was a real eye-opener for her.’

For others, however, it becomes apparent that their social circle has shrunk. In such cases, Bertineke works with them to explore ways of getting to know new people. What does the person need? A chat over a cup of coffee, playing a game together, or perhaps taking up a new hobby?

Where appropriate, someone from the person’s network is also involved, such as a son or a neighbour.

Living independently

Network coaching is free of charge and the number of sessions depends on what the individual needs. The guiding principle is always the same: ‘Ultimately, I want older people to be able to carry on without me.’

For example, Bertineke supported a woman who had lost her husband after fifty years of marriage. She was used to doing everything together and had to learn to take the initiative on her own again.

‘She said to me: “Thanks to your support, I can do it myself now.” I thought that was a really lovely compliment.’

Network coaching is part of ‘Sterk met je Netwerk’ (Strong with your Network). This is a partnership between Welzijn Lelystad, Coloriet, Woonzorg Flevoland, Icare and Centrada, aimed at enabling older people to live independently at home for longer.

Would you like to get to know Bertineke? Call 06 4832 8361 or email b.martens@welzijnlelystad.nl/en