Apeldoorn residents utilize community and formal care to support elderly living at home

In Apeldoorn, initiatives are addressing the growing needs of the elderly population as more individuals choose to live independently at home. Stichting Thuisgekookt has launched the ‘Deel de zorg’ (Share the Care) campaign to alleviate the pressure on informal caregivers. The foundation connects elderly residents who can no longer cook for themselves with local volunteers who provide a weekly homemade meal and social interaction.

According to data from the Netherlands Institute for Social Research, the proportion of informal caregivers in the Dutch adult population has risen to 39 percent, totaling over 5.5 million people. This trend places increased demands on family members who must balance caregiving with work and personal responsibilities.

For residents seeking more formal assistance, such as wound care, personal hygiene, or household support, different pathways exist. District nursing, which covers medical and personal care, is covered under the Healthcare Insurance Act and does not require a GP referral. For non-medical household support under the Social Support Act (Wmo), residents in Apeldoorn are directed to Samen055 to discuss their specific needs and available provisions.