Significant rise in costs for intensive in-home senior care

The costs related to intensive in-home services for the elderly saw a significant rise last year, according to ABN Amro. The bank predicts that this is just the beginning, and the coming years will witness a more significant increase in costs comparable to those seen in nursing home care.

While the total healthcare spending remained stable last year, the bank noted that the figures are somewhat misleading. The resources devoted to the Covid-19 battle in 2022 were about 4.3 billion euros less than what was spent in 2021.

The bank explained that half of this 4.3 billion euros was used for intensive care for the elderly, for both those at home and in care institutions. Given that around 130,000 seniors reside in these institutions, the cost rise does not come from there, although these institutions are also struggling with inflation.

In 2022, the number of people receiving intensive care at home grew by 3,400, bringing the total number to 20,600. In the first three months of 2023, an additional 1,400 patients were added to this count. Forecasts indicate a substantial increase in the trend toward intensive home care after 2026. However, it is important to note that most current homes are not adequately equipped for such care provision.

Outgoing Housing Minister Hugo de Jonge set a target of 290,000 new homes suitable for the elderly by 2030, with at least 40,000 specifically designed for intensive home care. "Whether this will succeed is very much in question. New construction is slow due to the nitrogen issue, while it is conceivable that investors and project developers would rather build high-priced single-family homes within the limited space available," ABN AMRO stated.

Responding to these concerns, the senior organization ANBO said, “The minister has set a good direction, but the realization will take a considerable amount of time. Therefore, temporary measures will need to be implemented before the results of the plan are visible.” According to the organization, a temporary increase in the number of intramural facilities should be considered until the proposed homes for the elderly are ready.

The association of healthcare organizations ActiZ also noticed an "explosive growth" in the number of places providing intensive nursing care at home. However, they also observed a decrease in district nursing. The association voiced its concern about a long-standing overemphasis on efficiency at the expense of investments. According to ActiZ, this study reemphasizes that "elderly care should be one of the highest priorities."