Ministry of Health, Welfare, and Sport Visits Kerkrade: Working Together to Ensure Future-Proof Home Care

How can we ensure that home care remains accessible in an era of an aging population, labor shortages, and rising costs? Representatives from the Ministry of Health, Welfare, and Sport discussed this issue with the municipality and MeanderGroep during a working visit to Kerkrade.

The focus was on the updated approach to Home Care Assistance (HbH) in Kerkrade. Through an extended intake process, an intake counselor from the care provider works with the resident for six weeks to assess what the person can still do on their own, what support is available from their personal network, and what assistance is still needed to enable them to live at home as independently as possible.

This approach was developed through practical experience, in close collaboration between the municipality and the care provider. The goal is to enable residents to maintain control over their own lives for as long as possible and to organize support in a way that is appropriate and future-proof. The results are promising: on average, residents receive 16% fewer hours of assistance than they would through a standard intake process, while their experiences are at least as positive. In addition, professionals report having more flexibility for tailored solutions, personal responsibility, and professional judgment.

During the working visit, it was also emphasized that home care involves much more than just keeping a house clean. It is often the first service to be provided in a person’s home and therefore plays an important role in identifying problems and preventing more serious Health.

Alderman Jo Paas emphasized the importance of trust and cooperation between the municipality and healthcare providers. Director Michael Ehlen made a heartfelt appeal to retain home care services as a benefit under the Wmo 2015.

The working visit demonstrated how important it is to continue working together to provide appropriate, affordable, and future-proof support, with a focus on both residents and professionals.