More home care in urban areas

The number of people in the Netherlands receiving care financed under the exceptional medical expenses act (AWBZ) who paid a contribution towards this has remained fairly constant in the period 2004-2006. Somee 600 thousand people aged 18 years and older received care at home in 2006. This may consist of home help, personal care or nursing at home. In addition, around 230 thousand people were staying or had stayed in a care institution financed through the exceptional medical expenses act, for example a nursing or care home.

People aged 80 years and older in particular receive care at home (40 percent). In urban areas comparatively more people receive care at home than in rural areas. This is mainly because more people in urban areas receive home help. There is no difference in percentages of people receiving personal care and nursing between cities and the countryside.

Percentage of people receiving home help, 2006