Don’t build more nursing homes, and choose other forms of housing

There are no adequate forms of housing between the home and the nursing home, according to research by Alzheimer Nederland. More than three-quarters of Dutch healthcare professionals and informal caregivers think the combination of homes and forms of housing for people with dementia are inappropriate. In deterioration, only nursing home is the option, but this has been a bridge too far for a long time and there is also much resistance to that. As a result, people with dementia continue to live irresponsibly at home for a long time, leading to crises.

The Netherlands faces an enormous housing challenge. Build, build, build: that’s only part of the solution. Hear the housing needs of the growing group of people with dementia. Currently, 290,000 people suffer from dementia, which will increase to half a million by 2040. Most of them (79%) live at home. Alzheimer Nederland researched more than 1,400 people with dementia and informal caregivers and care professionals in their housing needs. New forms of living are needed that appear at home but provide adequate support when needed.

The step between living at home and a nursing home is very large

87% of healthcare professionals recognize that “people with dementia are often“ very good. ”For admission to a nursing home, but you need extra support ??. In addition, people with dementia are very afraid of a nursing home. This refers to two-thirds of informal caregivers and at least 96% of care professionals.There is also a waiting list of 23,000 places, while more than 5,000 places are not used in a nursing home. Reasons for this: loss of freedom and self-direction, having to leave Familiar environment and association with the “last stage”, death. The symptom is not appropriate. So people with dementia often continue to live in the wrong homes, although this is no longer justified (for a long time). With exhausted caregivers and admission to Crises as a result.

Housing need: freedom and security

There are many challenges on the table. But it is certain that the assignment of housing and care is two of them. The solution may also be the link between housing and care. Alzheimer Nederland says: There is a need for new forms of housing that are suitable for people with dementia, who can move in early and thus live at home longer. Julie Mirfield, Advocacy and Regional Aid Director: “Living at home longer is especially convenient.” Live with support. We asked informal caregivers and people with dementia what this looked like. They indicate that this is their special place, where they can move around on their own or with their partner. In their trusted area, where they meet others and can engage in activities. They are free and in control, but can also receive care and support if needed. Affordability and accessibility are essential. Decent living is not a luxury. In fact, it ultimately saves money by preventing crisis situations and psychological overload for caregivers.

A tool for policymakers, housing companies and municipalities

Housing was one of the main topics in the elections, and there are a lot of plans and ideas to do more. to construct. Julie Mirfield: But before we get into the build-and-build reaction again, it’s time for a good conversation. In this way we create a pleasant place to live, an efficient flow through the housing market, and suitable housing for people with dementia, ensuring that they live at home longer. Only in this way can we boost self-reliance in people with dementia and reduce the burden of care. A win-win situation. We have the Living wiser for people with dementia made. We have to work together to achieve adequate housing for people with dementia.

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