Today at 8:30 PM • Updated today at 8:58 PM
“Oh well, I would have liked to have continued for a few more months,” says Nel Gulden (79) with a broad smile. It perhaps characterizes her the most. While most people have been enjoying their pension for years, Sprundelse still worked in home care until this week. On Friday she will work her last shift as a caregiver at Thuiszorg West-Brabant (TWB).
Rietje Roks (84) from Sint Willebrord is one of the clients that Nel has been seeing for years. “Nel is my source of support. She helps me with washing and dressing. And of course we always have a cup of coffee together. I like being able to socialize with each other for a while, because I don’t go out that much anymore,” says Riet.
The fact that Nel is still caring for people every day at the age of 79 is quite exceptional. But for Nel it feels very normal that she still participates in the schedule for about 25 to 30 hours a week. “It is sometimes quite physically difficult work. But as long as you have good health and especially a good back, you can keep it up for a long time. Moreover, something you enjoy and do with your heart is never too much.”
“Having a chat or just listening, that’s so important.”
Over the years, Nel has seen healthcare change. The workload became higher and the time per client became shorter. “Nowadays, attention is sometimes lacking, even though it is very important. Just have a chat or just listen: people need more than just care. You are also a kind of confidant for the clients with whom you have built a bond.”
Many clients that Nel visits are now a lot younger than herself. According to Nel, people often don’t even notice the age difference. “They don’t see me as almost 80 years old. They are especially happy that I am coming to help them. When I tell them my age, I always get nice and encouraging responses.”
Nel took various courses with her employer. She thus rose from domestic help to care level 3. On March 1, Nel has officially completed forty years of service at TWB and in August she will turn eighty: “It has been wonderful. My husband’s health is deteriorating and we want to be able to enjoy each other in the near future.”
“I will certainly miss Nel, but I wish her the best.”
“She has earned it,” says Riet. “Nel is always ready and nothing is too much for her. A really sweet woman. I will certainly miss Nel, but I wish her the best. It’s also okay when you’re almost eighty. Who does that nowadays?”
Nel has no plans to sit still after her retirement. She looks after her great-grandchild every week and she still regularly cycles and walks with the KBO (Catholic Union of the Elderly), of which she is a member.
Nel doesn’t have to think long about what she will miss most. “The fun with the clients and the solidarity with my dear colleagues. On the other hand, I now never have to get out of bed at six o’clock anymore and I can finally always sleep in.”
