At home for as long as possible: the story of Mrs. Elzinga

Mrs. Elzinga has been through a lot: a heart attack, a brain attack and pneumonia. After this difficult period, assisted living seemed a logical step. But it soon became apparent that this solution did not provide the desired support. "She would use the same Health there as in her current home," says daughter Wilma. "So my mother ended up staying in her own home."

Family as a pillar of support

Fortunately, Mrs. Elzinga is not alone. Her daughter helps arrange practical matters, her son lives nearby and her other daughter a little further away in Kerkrade. "I have plenty of support from my family," says Mrs. Elzinga. "My sister cooks for me now; I used to do that for her. So I manage very well."

Health well organized, but information hard to find

Wilma praises the Health that her mother receives, "The home care, the occupational therapist, the community link, the physical therapist; it's super how that turned out." Still, finding the right path was not always easy. "It is unclear where to report, though. That really took some searching. If you want people to live at home for as long as possible, you also have to organize it well."

Social contacts make a difference

Since last year, Mrs. Elzinga has been visiting the Sjevemethoes regularly to chat and eat together. "At first she never wanted to, but now she enjoys the contacts," says Wilma. Mrs. Elzinga herself fills her days with puzzles, playing cards, Maps and visiting the hairdresser. "My puzzle book is always on the kitchen table, because doing puzzles is my favorite pastime."

Independence first

Despite everything, Ms. Elzinga clings to her independence. "What I can do myself, I still want to try," she says with determination. "If I can't do it anymore, I'll tell them myself. But they really won't get me out of here."

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• Small adjustments for big difference in daily life