Aging is an unknown concept for anyone these days. The aging population in the Netherlands is increasing, which means that the average age in the Netherlands is increasing. People are getting older and fewer children are being born. Due to the increasing number of elderly people, more and more care facilities are needed. But what do we mean by healthcare facilities and what types of healthcare facilities are there? Care facilities are facilities that elderly people can use to enjoy themselves or to receive the necessary care. A number of healthcare facilities at a glance:
THE NURSING HOME
A nursing home is an institution where elderly people can go if they can no longer live independently for certain reasons. This can be due to physical but also psychological complaints due to old age. Or if someone is no longer able to care for themselves due to old age or if informal caregivers are out of reach. A nursing home then provides all the necessary care, but still leaves the elderly person independent as far as possible with any necessary aids. But in addition to housing, care and guidance that a nursing home offers, other facilities are also offered. For example, relaxation options, coffee and meal times with the other residents and recreation and activity programs.
THE NURSING HOME
A nursing home is an institution that offers care and nursing to people who need it and cannot get enough at home or in a nursing home. People can come here if they can no longer live at home due to old age, an illness or a condition. People can also come here if they have been discharged from the hospital but cannot (yet) fully function at home. In a nursing home, too, attempts are made to allow people to live as independently as possible, with the necessary aids if necessary. There are three types of nursing homes:
Psychogeriatric nursing home, these nursing homes focused on people who need mental help and support. This usually concerns elderly people who suffer from a form of dementia (Alzheimer’s disease).
Somatic nursing home, these are nursing homes that focused on people with a physical illness or disability .
Combined nursing home, This type of nursing home has both a somatic and a psychogeriatric department.
HOME CARE
These are institutions that come to the homes of the elderly when they can no longer do the housework themselves. This institution will then help the elderly person with, for example, cleaning, cooking food, washing and other household tasks. If you would like help from home care, you fall under 3 functions: domestic care, personal care and nursing.
MEALS ON WHEELS
This is an organization that delivers meals to the homes of the elderly. This is possible for a minimum of 3 or a maximum of 7 meals per week. The main meal is fixed, but the older person can order other things, such as soup, raw vegetables or dessert). You can order hot meals or cold meals, which you can later heat up in the microwave. You have to pay a small contribution for this service.
ELDERLY SOOS/DAY SOOS
This is an afternoon or day for elderly people who live in a care/nursing home or on their own, who enjoy meeting each other every now and then. Enjoy talking, listening and supporting each other. Activities are organized during Sunday afternoon. Think of games, walking or creative activities. Days out are also regularly organised, for example to see a theater performance or visit a factory. And guests regularly come to talk, for example a baker or an ambulance employee, where a look inside the ambulance is also allowed!
SHOP AT HOME
This is a shop or other facility that comes to an elderly person’s home. You can think of the hairdresser or the pedicure. But also the mobile store, these are cars that are designed as a store , where you can do your daily shopping.