zorgbalies

Zorgbalies are front-end information and intake points in the Dutch health and social care system, designed to help residents navigate care options, determine eligibility, and initiate services. The term is used by a range of organizations, including municipal health and welfare offices, hospitals, care homes, and general practice networks. They may be physical counters at municipal buildings, hospital receptions, or digital portals and telephone lines.

The main functions of a zorgbalie include providing clear information about available care options and funding schemes, helping people assess needs, performing initial triage, guiding clients to the appropriate professionals (such as social workers, district nurses, or care coordinators), assisting with the intake process, and helping with administrative tasks such as completing forms and arranging referrals. They can also coordinate referrals to in-home care, residential care, or specialized services (for example mental health care or youth care).

Staff at zorgbalies often include administrative personnel, social care workers, nurses, and trained volunteers. The goal is to offer a user-friendly, low-threshold access point that reduces fragmentation and speeds up access to appropriate support. Because the structure and naming of zorgbalies vary by municipality or care provider, the exact services and processes may differ. They are part of broader efforts to simplify care access, improve information provision, and support continuity of care.

See also: zorgloket, Wmo-loket, care coordination, patient navigation.