Dozens of people living in nursing homes commit, or try to commit suicide every year, according to research by the Dutch voluntary euthanasia society NVVE.

Suicides or attempted suicides were reported In 44 of the 221 nursing homes covered by the NVVE survey. And in over half of nursing homes, staff said residents had told them they considered their life was at an end.
Earlier this week, a group of older Dutch academics and politicians launched a campaign in support of assisted suicide for the over-70s.
Under Dutch law, euthanasia can only be practised if the patient is suffering ‘unbearable pain’. The doctor must be convinced the patient is making an informed choice and a second doctor must also give his or her opinion.