Have you noticed that you or someone close to you needs more help at home? Then a lot can come your way at once: forms, organisations and terms such as Wlz, Wmo and pgb. In this article we explain in plain language how home care is arranged in the Netherlands and which steps you take.
Which scheme suits you?
The care you receive and who pays for it depend on your situation. There are four routes.
The Zvw (Health Insurance Act): wijkverpleging (district nursing)
Do you need nursing or personal care at home, for example help with washing and dressing, wound care or help with medication? This is usually covered by your basic health insurance. A district nurse looks at what you need together with you and carries out the assessment (indicatie). You do not pay any eigen risico (deductible) for district nursing.
The Wmo (Social Support Act, via your municipality)
Would you like to keep living independently at home, but need support with structuring your day or with arranging practical matters? Then you can contact your municipality. After you report your needs, you will have a conversation about your situation. For Wmo support you usually pay a personal contribution via the CAK (Central Administration Office).
The Wlz (Long-term Care Act): permanent, intensive care
Does someone permanently need care throughout the day or supervision close by, for example in advanced dementia? Then the Wlz may apply. The CIZ (Care Assessment Centre) assesses the application and issues an indication. The zorgkantoor (care office) then arranges how the care is delivered.
Pgb (personal budget)
Under the Wlz, the Wmo and in some cases the Zvw, you can choose a pgb. You then purchase the care yourself from a care provider of your choice. The SVB (Social Insurance Bank) pays the care provider on your behalf.
The application in five steps
- Map out your situation. Write down what you need help with and at which times of the day.
- Discuss it with your GP. Your GP knows your medical situation and can refer you.
- Apply for the right assessment. For district nursing through a district nurse, for the Wmo through your municipality and for the Wlz through the CIZ.
- Choose your care provider. You are free to choose who provides your care. Ask beforehand how the provider works and whether you will have regular carers.
- Draw up a care plan together. This sets out your wishes, the agreements made and who visits you when.
How long does it take?
That differs per scheme. District nursing can often start quickly. The municipality and the CIZ usually take a few weeks to reach a decision. A complete application helps prevent delays. If you disagree with a decision, you can lodge an objection within six weeks.
How RytelZorg helps you
RytelZorg provides personal home care in Voorburg, Leidschendam, Wassenaar, The Hague, Rijswijk, Delft and Zoetermeer. We help you with the application free of charge: together we look at which scheme suits you, we help with contacting the organisations involved and we draw up a personal care plan with you. You will have a small, regular team of carers.
Would you like to know what is possible for you? Get in touch with us or call 06 14 97 58 70. We can be reached day and night.