The dementia department of the Heidehiem residential care location in Emmen is closing permanently. Earlier this month, the client council did not agree to the closure of the De Olmen dementia department, but after a number of discussions with the board, the council changed tack.
The main reason for the closure is the staff shortage and insufficient interest in the department, which causes financial problems. “The board indicates that there are too few registrations for care. I cannot check this, so I assume this is correct,” says Henk Klaver, chairman of the client council.
“We were only informed in November last year that this plan was on the table, because the board has been working on this since May. We were angry about it, but after getting angry three times, it was ready the fourth time,” says Clover.
Last Friday, the council came to the conclusion that it would be better to close the department. “We required that a social relocation plan be drawn up individually for each resident. This must include what all agreements are with the residents and how the move will work,” says Klaver.
The board agreed to this demand and the decision to close De Olmen was made.
There are currently twelve residents in De Olmen, while there is room for eighteen. Klaver: “Nine of them agreed to the improved plans without protest, but there are always people who oppose them. At a certain point you just have to make decisions.”
The client council finds it disappointing for clients that closure is necessary. “Sometimes reality is harsh. Then we can find something emotionally and based on compassion and involvement, but other forces are simply stronger,” says Klaver, referring to the lack of staff and the short waiting list.
Zorggroep Tangenborgh (which includes Heidehiem) is doing everything it can to move the residents as a group to a new location. This includes the De Bleerinck nursing home in Emmen.
According to Klaver, healthcare staff are not experiencing any disadvantages from the closure. “No one is dismissed, all people are taken along. They can then go to other locations that fall under the Tangenborgh care group.”
The closure feels like a painful decision for the client council. “We want this to be as silent and painless as possible. You should not fight wars that you cannot win,” Klaver concludes.