Social work

The treatment requires adjustments and changes in the daily life of your family. The following tips may help you get started. You can always contact medical social work and ask them to think along with you.

• Support and guidance for yourself
• Taking care of your child
• Your family

Relaxation and outings for sick children
Every year, many vacations and outings are organized for sick children and families with a sick child. Social work and your medical pedagogical worker can provide information about this. You can also check the calendar of the Dutch National Childhood Cancer Association. At the bottom of the page, there are foundations offering trips and vacations. 

Balancing work, caring for your child, and taking care of your family can be challenging. If you are employed, inform your employer about the situation right away. Also, make an appointment with the company doctor, who will assess your physical and mental ability to work, think along with you, and advise your employer. If working alongside caring for your child becomes too much, discuss with your employer what is possible and how you can use statutory leave arrangements, such as care leave. Social work can help you prepare for this conversation.

If you are self-employed and unable to work, you may be entitled to assistance for the self-employed.

• If you experience conflicts with your employer and need advice, you can contact social work or the Inloopspreekuur Ouders en Werk from the Dutch National Childhood Cancer Association
• Also read the brochue about statutory leave regulations.

• Travel costs during treatment
  From the start of treatment (chemotherapy, radiotherapy, or immunotherapy), your health insurer covers all trips (including check-ups and examinations) to and from the Princess Máxima Center and the shared care center through the basic insurance (both private transport and taxi). You pay an annual contribution per calendar year. You can download the 'authorization for seated patient transport' form from your health insurer's website or request authorization by phone. It is important to apply for the authorization within 3 months of diagnosis. Otherwise, the right to reimbursement for the costs already incurred will expire. Once the authorization has been granted, insurers often allow ample time to submit claims for the expenses. If in doubt, we advise you to contact your health insurer. For reimbursement, the doctor's assistant can provide you with an overview of all appointments. Note: This only applies to trips where your child is in the car with you, not when you go home during a hospital stay (see visit costs).
• Parking
  The parking garage at the Princess Máxima Center is intended for parents (1 parking space) and children. Special rates are available for parents. You can find more information about parking for parents on this page.
• Travel costs outside of cancer treatment (e.g., diagnostics and follow-up)
  If your child needs frequent hospital visits for tests or check-ups, you may be eligible for reimbursement of travel costs (personal transport or taxi) under certain conditions. Check your policy or call your insurer to see if you qualify for the "hardship clause."
• Visit costs
  When your child is in the hospital, travel costs can quickly add up if you alternate visits. Some insurers reimburse these "visitor costs" through supplementary insurance. Check your policy or call your insurer.
• Accommodation costs during proton therapy in UMC Groningen
  If your child needs proton therapy at UMC Groningen, you or social work can request an "authorization for lodging expenses" from your health insurer. The insurer reimburses your stay at the "Family House" during treatment for up to four nights per week. For more information about this reimbursement or assistance with the authorization request, contact social work at the Máxima Center.
  If you choose to travel daily, you are entitled to the mileage reimbursement (see travel costs during treatment).g).
• Staying at Ronald McDonaldhuis
  At the Máxima Center, you can stay with your child day and night in the parent-child room. Families can also use the Ronald McDonaldhuis next to the Wilhelmina Children's Hospital, for example, when a child has an early appointment at the Máxima Center, or if the family wants to stay close by. The doctor's assistant or social worker can check availability on the day itself. Pre-booking is not possible. For the Ronald McDonaldhuis in De Bilt, you can book in advance via utrecht@ronaldmcdonaldhuis.nl.

• Ronald McDonaldhuis lodging reimbursement
  If your child has at least three consecutive outpatient treatments or day treatments, you can convert the travel reimbursement for those days into a lodging reimbursement from the basic insurance. The travel reimbursement for these days will then no longer apply. Be sure to get approval from your health insurer in advance. Sometimes, your supplementary insurance will cover the costs, even if there are not three consecutive outpatient or day treatments. Check your policy or call your insurer.

Having a sick child means extra expenses, such as for travel, extra clothing, and food and drink at the hospital. In addition to travel reimbursement (see above), you may also be eligible for financial assistance through other arrangements. You can read more about that here.

Confidentiality and records
In the introductory meeting with social work, sensitive information may be shared. In the Máxima’s Center privacy statement, you can read how we handle this information.

Follow-up contact with social work
After the introductory meeting, social work will coordinate follow-up contact with you. You may not need support right now, but that could change during treatment. You can always get in touch by email or phone.

After treatment and the flower bead
When your child finishes treatment, they receive the Flower Bead - a celebratory moment. However, despite the relief, you may also feel uncertain. Returning to "normal life" can be harder than expected, especially now that things are different from before. Many parents only begin processing everything at this stage, often accompanied by emotions and fatigue.

The brochure ‘The flower bead and then’ is available from the Dutch National Childhood Cancer Association, or you can ask your care provider.

When your child is no longer curable
If treatments are no longer effective, or if there is no available treatment, and a child is nearing the end of life, social work, the pediatric palliative care team, and your medical pedagogical care provider can help you with making memories, decisions, or finding a funeral director. They can also refer you to grief and loss counseling in your region or other support services. After your child passes away, they can offer follow-up care and help you find appropriate support in your area. You can find more information on the website Koesterkind.