Most home care in the Netherlands is funded, through health insurance, the municipality or the Long-term Care Act. Even so, more and more people choose private home care, sometimes in combination with funded care. What exactly is it, when is it a good choice and what should you look out for?
What is private home care?
With private home care you pay for the care yourself, without involvement of the health insurer, municipality or care office (zorgkantoor). This means no indication is needed. You make agreements directly with the care provider about the content, times and duration of the care.
When is it a good choice?
- You do not have an indication (yet). For example because the application is still in progress, or because your situation does not fall under a scheme.
- You want to start quickly. After a hospital stay or a sudden change, care can usually start quickly.
- You want extra care. On top of your funded care, for example an extra visit or more time.
- Your family carer needs a break. Temporary or regular support, so your loved one can catch their breath. This is also called respite care.
- You want more flexibility. Care at times that fit your daily routine exactly.
What can private care include?
In principle, all care that RytelZorg offers can also be arranged privately: personal care, support, dementia care, night care and 24-hour care. You agree the content with us to suit your situation.
Combining private and funded care
Private care does not rule out funded care. A common situation: you start privately while the application for funded care is in progress. As soon as the indication comes through, the care moves to the funded route. Or you keep your funded care and add a few private hours.
Also check your supplementary health insurance. Some policies cover part of certain types of care. Conditions differ per insurer.
What should you look out for?
- Clear price agreements. Ask in advance for a clear quote with the hourly rate and any supplements for evenings, nights or weekends.
- A written care plan. With goals, times and the content of the care.
- Notice period. How quickly can you adjust or stop the care?
- Regular carers. With private care, too, it is pleasant to see the same faces.
- Quality. Ask about the carers’ training and how the organisation handles quality and complaints.
Private care from RytelZorg
RytelZorg provides private home care in Voorburg, Leidschendam, Wassenaar and The Hague. In most cases care can start quickly. You receive a clear quote and a personal care plan in advance, and you have regular carers who know you. Want to switch to funded care later? We help you with the application free of charge.
See the page on private care, request a no-obligation quote or call 06 14 97 58 70.