After being diagnosed with Parkinson’s, Dientje Westerman (61) was completely dependent on her husband Jan’s informal care for a year. Since she purchased a walker from Vegro, she has regained control over her life. “I didn’t think it was for me at first, but it has made our lives easier.”
Vegro has been providing healthcare aids for almost forty years. Every year they help and advise around 150,000 people like Dientje, so that they can live as comfortably as possible. Vegro has healthcare stores throughout the country, including in Utrecht. The expert store employees are ready to give you the best possible advice about all the aids that you can rent, buy or borrow.
Isolation
In 2022, Dientje was diagnosed with Parkinson’s. Her husband Jan was a househusband and she worked in catering in a prison. “My work there was difficult. At first we assumed a burnout. Ultimately this turned out to be Parkinson’s disease. I said goodbye to work because it was difficult for me to walk,” says Dientje. Her husband became an informal caregiver. “I am extremely grateful for that. The progression of the disease was rapid and I was unable to do much myself. I spent a lot of time indoors for a year and really became terribly isolated.”
A party
Dientje’s old employer organized a sports tournament every year. She wanted to go there. But how? Dientje and her husband decided to rent a walker for a few days from the Vegro care store.
Dientje says: “I thought it was a big step. A walker? That’s not for me at all! The ladies in the store were sweethearts. I was advised to try a walker specifically for people with Parkinson’s. With green lines, which are projected on the ground and help you walk straight, and special vibrations. “With this you can still get so much out of life independently,” they said. They didn’t push anything and explained everything patiently. The tournament was a party. I could walk or sit whenever I wanted and get the full benefit of my aid.”
Boxing class
We liked the walker so much that Dientje kept it. “The health insurance covers it fully. I no longer have to stay indoors and can go out independently. It is such an enrichment of my life! And that of my husband. He can now do something for himself more often. Jan loves cycling and is now taking up that hobby again.”
Dientje feels a nice bond with the ladies of Vegro. “We always wave at each other and I can walk in with a question or just for a nice chat. I have more control over my life again. I am grateful and proud of that. I’m even going to boxing lessons soon, especially for people with Parkinson’s. Nowadays I try to think of things I can still do instead of the limitations. I wish that for everyone.”
Come visit Vegro
With the help of Vegro Thuiszorgwinkel, Dientje has regained her independence after a long time. Are you or do you know someone who could also use a care aid? Vegro not only has walkers, but also crutches and supplies for pregnancy and maternity. Good to know: many aids can be borrowed for free through your health insurance.
Take a look at Vegro in Utrecht. The expert store employees are ready to give you the best possible advice about all the aids that you can rent, buy or borrow. Curious? For more information, visit Vegro.nl.
