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are still asking too much money to carry out ‘extra’ services, such as washing clothes, and at least half of them do not publish their charges as they should, the consumers association says in Friday’s Telegraaf.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