Housing and care facilities in the Netherlands
Housing and care facilities in the Netherlands are rapidly evolving. Yvonne Witter, a social gerontologist and founder of ZorgSaamWonen, is optimistic about these developments. In an interview with Nina Conkova, she shares her vision for the future of housing and care and the opportunities it offers for older adults, with special attention to older migrants.
“There is a growing diversity in cities, and people increasingly seek places where different generations and cultures can live together,” Witter notes.
Five years ago, Witter founded ZorgSaamWonen, a national knowledge platform that connects the physical and social domains of housing, welfare, and care. With her extensive experience at the Aedes-ActiZ Knowledge Center for Housing and Care, she has made significant contributions to the field.
“The functions traditionally provided by nursing homes, such as security and safety, are still very much needed. We now see more alternative forms of housing emerging,” she begins. “Since many nursing homes closed, modern forms of housing with care possibilities have been on the rise. There’s a greater focus on social interaction, technology, and healthy living environments.”
Diverse types of housing
Witter highlights the emergence of diverse types of housing, such as intergenerational communities, courtyard complexes, and modern homes with green spaces and opportunities for exercise. “It’s a wonderful development,” she says. “We now have more service flats, assisted living facilities, and nursing homes that are also modernizing. Older buildings are being transformed into more homely, small-scale living environments where residents can truly participate in the community.”
When discussing the situation of older migrants, Witter sees parallels with broader societal issues. “Older migrants want to stay at home and age in place just like Dutch older adults, but they have some specific needs too. They often require homes that align with their cultural preferences, which can be challenging to find.”
She mentions the difficulties faced by culture-specific care organizations. “Some organizations, like Attifa in Utrecht and IMEAN in Almelo, do excellent work. However, we have also seen the rise of the so-called ‘care cowboys,’ who offer inadequate services to older migrants. This makes it hard for these older adults to get the care they need. There’s a pressing need for care that is both culturally and linguistically sensitive.”
Mixed communities
Witter emphasizes the value of mixed residential communities where different generations and cultures can live and share care. “These communities can be particularly meaningful for older migrants, as they provide a sense of connection and belonging, even as care needs increase.”
“Caring neighborhoods are about more than just physical spaces; they’re also about social connections. People need to get to know each other before they can support one another.”
She cites an example from Antwerp, where “caring streets” have been successful. “Reciprocity is key. Volunteers begin by identifying each person’s strengths, which helps build a network of care and support.”
Challenges and opportunities
While such initiatives are increasingly common in the Netherlands, reaching the most vulnerable populations remains a challenge. “There are often many initiatives, but they operate independently and do not always reach the people who need them most. Particularly in larger cities, it is essential to consider population diversity and create initiatives that complement what already exists and address unmet needs.”
Witter also points to projects where people with and without significant care needs live together in residential complexes, such as the “long-live-at-home flats” or Thuisplusflats. In cities like Rotterdam, Amsterdam, and Schiedam, these complexes provide a stable care team and foster a sense of community among residents.
Another promising initiative involves Woonin, a housing corporation that developed a courtyard with 17 family homes and 94 social housing apartments for residents with and without care needs. “In this courtyard, residents look out for one another,” Witter explains.
Still, she acknowledges the growing demand for small-scale nursing homes that are integrated into neighborhoods. “The challenge is creating spaces for those who can no longer live independently. We need facilities that seamlessly combine well-being and care.”
The future for older migrants
Looking ahead, Witter believes mixed residential communities will become increasingly important for older migrants. “As cities become more diverse, people are seeking spaces where different generations and cultures can live together. This creates opportunities for both older migrants and the broader community.”
She mentions the example of an Iranian housing group in Amsterdam, which, though small, demonstrates how older migrants can live together and support one another. “It’s a beautiful initiative. More projects, like the multicultural community Hofje het Genietschap in Weert and IMEAN’s care initiatives in Hengelo, are aligning with the needs of older migrants.”
For such initiatives to thrive, Witter underscores the need for solid funding and suitable locations. “Municipalities need to allocate spaces for these projects, but unfortunately, there’s often a lack of availability. On the bright side, we see banks becoming more open to financing cooperative housing, particularly in countries like Germany and Switzerland.”
Remaining optimistic
Witter is optimistic about the future. The Netherlands is a frontrunner in innovative housing and care initiatives, particularly for older migrants. However, challenges remain. “Processes can be slow, especially when it comes to municipal involvement and collaboration with housing corporations. But the urgency is clearer than ever.”
She concludes with a call to action: “There are many opportunities to build inclusively—whether monoculturally or multiculturally—depending on the residents’ needs. It’s vital to remain curious about people’s life stories, needs, and desires. Only then we can truly create housing and care solutions that fit everyone, regardless of their background.”
Nina Conkova
Senior Researcher
Nina Conkova is a senior researcher at Leyden Academy on Vitality and Ageing. Nina is wholeheartedly dedicated to ensuring a good old age for everyone. In her daily activities, she conducts research on the care, representation, and well-being of older adults with a migration background in the Netherlands. In addition to scientific and practice-oriented research, she is engaged in developing, implementing, and sustaining social initiatives and training programs focused on loneliness. Nina’s work is recognised for acknowledging the diversity and resilience within the group of older adults with a migration background and for her commitment to the interplay between research, practice, and policy. And last buit not least; Nina is an ENIEC member.
Nieuw Wij
This interview with Yvonne Witter was conducted and written by Nina Conkova. Both Nina and Yvonne are members of ENIEC. The original interview was published on NieuwWij.
Nieuw Wij (NewWe) is a national platform in the Netherlands that focuses on connecting differences in society, with an emphasis on diversity, inclusivity, and dialogue between people from various backgrounds and beliefs. The platform provides space for diverse perspectives, publishes articles, interviews, and opinion pieces, and fosters discussions on current social issues. Its goal is to contribute to a society where mutual understanding and respect are central.
