DutchNews.nl - €50 for a walk: nursing homes still vague about extra charges

Nursing and care homes are still asking too much money to carry out ‘extra’ services, such as washing clothes, and at least half of them do not publish their charges as they should, the consumers association says in Friday’s Telegraaf.

Last year, care home operators and insurance companies worked out an agreement to stop homes charging residents additional fees for extra items such as a second cup of tea, toilet paper or fruit.

However, the deal states homes may still charge residents for ‘special activities’ such as a day trip or washing clothes, as long as the billing is transparent and it is voluntary.

The consumers association asked 120 care homes for a list of their charges. Just 66 responded and only 22 published the fees on their website.

The consumer organisation research also showed wide differences in fees. One institution charges €32 a month for washing, another €120. The cost of a walk with a care assistant ranges from €25 to €50 a time.

Complaints have been made about the extra charges levied by nursing homes for years.

Many homes were charging residents extra fees for all but the very basic care even though they are fully covered by insurance.

Geert Wilders, leader of the anti-immigration PVV, has called for an emergency parliamentary debate on the issue.

How should nursing homes be paid for? Have your say using the comment box below.

Readers' Comments

Nursing homes need paying for yes, but to charge basic needs however, such as washing and walking is pretty low. My stepson walks old people on a voluntary basis so is someone coining it whilst he does it voluntarily?

By mick marsh | 5 October 2012 9:51 AM

I am a home owner in the UK. Our weekly fee is £550 which covers all personal care, food, laundry & activities. Included is all food including snacks and tea and coffee when the resident wants it. Activities includes outings, crafts etc. The only extra charge is for hairdressing. While we all want to make a profit, we will not sacrifice good care for a few extra pounds. James

By James | 5 October 2012 11:13 AM

So for years nursing homes have been scamming, charming! Maybe they even provide a coffee shop pick-up service, nothing would surprise me now.. :P

By The visitor | 5 October 2012 2:33 PM

Good on you Geert, crack down on those greedy nursing homes preying on the elderly.

By Steve | 5 October 2012 5:07 PM

@James can I come to your home when the times comes for me to be taken care of? I think it really sad that folks have to pay for good care. It is everyones bad dream to have to go to a care home and not be trated with respect or care.

By dee | 5 October 2012 6:55 PM

Hi,
€50 for a walk: nursing homes still vague about extra charges. I’ve been thinking. If we have a car wash utility in each nursing home things would be easier. If in a bed, a wheelchair or by foot one go’s through with a full wash program and at the end a tickling utility to make them laugh so an air gun can apply medicine. Cheap and simple.

By Terence Hale | 5 October 2012 8:07 PM

After reading the above, I'm checking into a British hotel when I'm old, knowing I'd get the same treatment for less than I'd pay at an OAP home!

The truth is that nobody wants to look after the elderly: gawd help all these Dinkies (double income no kids) who NEED to budget that type of impersonal care!

Incidently, my MIL is a (RGN) nurse manager at one of those UK private OAP homes and the owners aren't in it for the sense of wellbeing! It's profit all the way....

€120 for washing a patient is outrageous, until you realise that it's probably €2 per time (am/pm), 30 days per month. Then you realise the value of your own health

By osita | 5 October 2012 8:13 PM

That's right, people. Prisons are absolute luxury here, but nursing homes? Excuse me while I turn around and laugh for 5 minutes.

By Someone | 5 October 2012 9:48 PM

Disgusting. To consider a walk or washing clothes an extra service is beyond low. Wasn't it in the news not too long ago how they were also charging extra for tea or fresh fruit? Anything to make a quick buck.

By Michael | 6 October 2012 10:44 AM

50 Euros a walk. Nappy changing, must be worth gold bars? Don't worry folks when it comes our turn to toddle off to the nursing home, the government will surely bail us out if we run out of savings, right!

By Highlander | 6 October 2012 4:18 PM

Disgusting is the right word for these extra charges.

By J.Visser | 7 October 2012 6:29 PM