According to Bert Pathuis, there is a great need for this form of rural wages, but it is frustrating how regulations sometimes get in the way. But he is hopeful that it will get better in Drenthe. “The responsible deputy Yvonne Turenhout (PvdA) was looking. It was very enthusiastic. She thought we were a nice example project of how it could be, if seniors continue to live together in the Drenthe countryside and grow old together. So perhaps that Huis te Zeijen will follow in Drenthe.”
The sixteen houses, spread in blocks across the site, are all occupied. It concerns five single -person households and eleven couples, ranging from 55 to 86 years, from Zeijen, Assen, but also from much further away, such as Almere, Ridderkerk and Aalsmeer. The oldest resident is Harry Berg, with the age of 86 the Assenaar is still a scratch boss. He is lyrical about the place since he lives there in February. Unfortunately on his own. “My wife and I would actually go here together. But the plan has lasted so long, she now lives in the Slingeborgh in Assen because of dementia.”
But lonely, Harry Berg certainly does not. He is very social, and likes to look for the fun, and is possible with the other residents on the site of Huis in Zeijen. “And I have green fingers, so I can also work on the vegetable garden here.”
In addition to the sixteen houses, there is also room for four luxury Bed & Breakfast room on the farmyard, and there may be four more. “People can stay there, for example even if they visit one of the residents here. But it is also great for care logs, if people can’t go home after a hospitalization. They can go here temporarily, because home care is around the corner.”
Because the run -up and realization of the housing project has lasted more than ten years, Pathuis and Takens have now also come ‘what old’. That is why their daughter Irene (34) will do the management of Huis in Zeijen. Dad and Dad lend her a hand. On Saturday there will be Open House at Huis in Zeijen from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.