Woonzorgvisie Gemeente Den Helder – Housing and Care Strategy for the Municipality
The Woonzorgvisie gemeente Den Helder, published in August 2021, serves as the municipal policy framework governing the intersection of housing and healthcare. This strategy was developed in collaboration with local care organizations and interest groups to address demographic shifts, including an aging population and the decentralization of care tasks. It functions as a local link within the regional cooperation agenda established by the Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sport (VWS), the Association of Netherlands Municipalities (VNG), and Zorgverzekeraars Nederland (ZN).
The document provides a structured assessment framework for new policy developments, including the Omgevingsvisie Den Helder and specific neighborhood visions. It delineates regulatory domains under the Jeugdwet (Youth Act), Wet langdurige zorg (Wlz) (Long-term Care Act), Wet maatschappelijke ondersteuning (Wmo) (Social Support Act), and the Zorgverzekeringswet (Zvw) (Healthcare Insurance Act). The scope focuses on four primary groups: the elderly, residents with intellectual disabilities, psychologically vulnerable individuals, and permit holders (statushouders).
This vision defines requirements for various housing types, including geclusterd wonen (clustered housing), gespikkeld wonen (mixed housing), and intramurale voorzieningen (institutional care facilities). It outlines specific targets for care capacity and the spatial distribution of social medical services across districts such as Julianadorp, De Schooten, and Nieuw Den Helder.
Legal and Regulatory Framework
The strategy is anchored in four national laws that define municipal and insurance responsibilities for care and housing support:
- Jeugdwet: Governs prevention, support, and care for children and parents regarding upbringing and mental health issues.
- Wet langdurige zorg (Wlz): Regulates 24-hour care for the most vulnerable residents with permanent somatic or psychogeriatric limitations.
- Wet maatschappelijke ondersteuning (Wmo): Managed by the municipality to provide domestic help or mobility aids for the elderly and disabled.
- Zorgverzekeringswet (Zvw): Covers medical care, including district nursing (wijkverpleging) and extramural treatments.
Housing and Care for the Elderly
The municipality utilizes the Zorgtredenmodel (Care Step Model) from the Nederlandse Zorgautoriteit (NZa) to categorize the needs of the elderly across six levels, ranging from independent living to residential care in nursing homes. Statistics indicate that the proportion of residents aged 75 and older in Den Helder is 9.5%, which is higher than the national average of 8.5%.
- Zorgtrede 1-2: Independent living with primary or specialist medical care.
- Zorgtrede 3-5: Home care involving Wmo support, personal care, or district nursing.
- Zorgtrede 6: Residential admission to a nursing home or receiving a Volledig Pakket Thuis (VPT).
By 2030, the municipality estimates a need for 220 additional 24-hour care placements. Clustered housing projects for the elderly must consist of at least ten households to be facilitated under this vision.
Vulnerable Residents and Protected Living
There is a significant transition from Beschermd Wonen (institutional protected living) to Beschermd Thuis (intensive care provided in a home setting). This shift requires the provision of support services such as budget management, day activities, and respite care within standard residential neighborhoods.
- Gespikkeld wonen: Defined as the mixing of residents with different care needs within a single housing complex.
- Intellectual Disabilities: Distinction is made between VG (Wlz-funded) and LVG (Wmo-funded) groups, with a preference for clustered living for those requiring supervision.
- Youth Care: In 2020, 1,480 youths in Den Helder received care, with 190 placed in residential facilities.
Status Holders and Social Housing Targets
The municipality is legally mandated by the Huisvestingstaakstelling to house permit holders based on population size. In 2021, the target for Den Helder was set at 93 individuals. The document identifies flexible housing forms as a potential solution for fluctuating demand and mentions a pilot program with the housing corporation Woontij for innovative use of limited housing stock.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between an aanpasbare woning and a geschikte woning?
An aanpasbare woning is a home that can be relatively easily modified to meet individual needs, while a geschikte woning is an existing rental unit already suitable for individuals with physical limitations, often featuring life-cycle-proof or wheelchair-accessible designs.
How many additional 24-hour care spots are needed in Den Helder by 2030?
The municipality projects a need to expand 24-hour care capacity by 220 placements by the year 2030.
What is the minimum size for a facilitated clustered housing initiative?
Parties involved in the strategy are prepared to facilitate initiatives for clustered housing forms starting at a minimum of ten households.
What is the percentage of 75-plussers in Den Helder compared to the national average?
The share of residents aged 75 and older in Den Helder is 9.5%, which is one percentage point higher than the national average of 8.5%.
Which neighborhoods have the highest concentration of elderly residents?
According to the 2018 data cited, the highest concentrations of elderly residents are in Nieuw Den Helder, De Schooten, and Julianadorp.
How many informal caregivers are projected per care recipient in 2040?
The ratio is expected to drop from approximately five informal caregivers per recipient in 2018 to approximately three by 2040.
