Both organizations focus on supporting people who need intensive care or assistance. Beep for Help provides non-medical support to, among others, the elderly, informal caregivers, and anyone with a request for help, while Beaufin acts as an administrator for people who are no longer able to manage their finances due to mental or physical issues. Together, they have entered into a unique partnership to tackle the challenges in the sector. What does that look like? Annebet Overeem of Beep for Help and co-owner Paul Wesseling of Beaufin talk enthusiastically about their organizations and their collaboration.

Beep for Help offers flexible, non-medical support to the elderly and informal caregivers. "We relieve the burden on busy caregivers and help seniors maintain their independence," explains Overeem. With their 'superhelpers,' they make daily tasks in and around the house, such as hanging a shelf or cleaning, easier. Customers pay by the minute for the help they need, ensuring accessible care. Overeem emphasizes that it is primarily about short-term support, so people can get on with their lives more quickly.

Growing need

On the other side of the partnership is Beaufin, founded by Paul Wesseling, Joris Korse, and Arnout Kroezen. Beaufin focuses on financial and legal support, primarily for people with care needs due to, for example, dementia or other mental and physical issues. Wesseling: “We are originally an administration office, but we are increasingly offering mentorship as well, where care and well-being are central. We notice a growing need for help for people with a limited network, especially when they need to get to appointments.” There is also a need for accessible social contact. Superhelpers are also there to walk, talk, or have a cup of coffee with clients.

Not just to the hospital

The partnership between Beep for Help and Beaufin arose from the need to better support clients in their daily lives. Wesseling explains: “We saw that our clients often couldn't go to a hospital appointment alone. This can lead to stress and confusion. By bringing in Beep for Help, we ensure that our clients are safe and well-supported.”

The innovative aspect of Beep for Help is that people can simply ask for help, which for some can actually be a barrier. "People have to get used to the idea that help can be requested so easily without bureaucratic red tape," she says. This includes breaking the idea that care is only available through traditional channels, such as the Wmo or Wlz. Beep for Help is very accessible, including by phone. Of course, the app and website are there for convenience, but for the elderly in particular, telephone accessibility is important. There are also physical offices they can visit.

Familiar faces

Beep for Help's approach of focusing on familiar faces for clients and a personal touch makes the partnership even more effective. Overeem emphasizes that consistency is important: “We try to provide clients with the same superhelper as much as possible. One fixed face is no longer possible due to the increasing success of Beep for Help, but every client still deals with about three to four familiar faces. This creates trust and makes the care pleasant.”

A key pillar of their partnership is transparency in both communication and expectations. Beep for Help and Beaufin understand that clients under financial guardianship are often vulnerable, making open and honest collaboration essential. This not only builds trust, but also ensures that clients are matched with the right super helper, leaving them feeling heard and valued.

Loneliness is lurking

Wesseling emphasizes the importance of this partnership by stating that the quality of life of their clients comes first. "Loneliness is a real risk. When you have money and you can call in an agency like Beep for Help, that's perfect. But if the budget is limited, it's great that Beep for Help can still provide the necessary guidance." This underscores the value of the partnership between Beaufin and Beep for Help and how they can jointly bridge the gap in care and support.

With this partnership, Beep for Help and Beaufin are committed to not only providing care but also improving the quality of life of their clients. Because even a walk together outside or a cup of coffee and a quiet conversation can have a positive impact on someone's life. Seemingly small gestures can be of great significance.

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Read the original interview on the Nationale Zorggids.