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Completing the WOZO Program: Progress and Future of Elderly Care

Update Ending a Era: Reflecting on the WOZO ProgramAfter three insightful years, the Wonen, Ondersteuning en Zorg voor Ouderen (WOZO) program has officially concluded. The program was designed to revolutionize elderly care and ensure that it remains sustainable for future generations. Mireille de Wee, the chair of the ActiZ core group on housing and care, reflects on the program's successes, stating that its values are now embedded in important recent agreements—the Hoofdlijnenakkoord Ouderenzorg and the Aanvullend Zorg- en Welzijnsakkoord. Despite reaching its endpoint, the movement towards enhancing elderly care is far from over.The Vision Behind WOZOWOZO's primary aim was to make elder care future-proof, a challenging goal that raised questions about its overall success. While some objectives for improved collaboration between health domains were not fully realized, there was a notable shift in the culture surrounding elderly care. The initiative promoted collaboration between healthcare professionals, community welfare workers, municipalities, and housing corporations, fostering a sense of community in an aging population. Principles like 'caring neighborhoods' and 'community care' are now vital in today's practices.Impact and Collaboration: A Sign of ProgressOne of our vital takeaways from WOZO is that the impact of such initiatives cannot be summarized in rigid policy regulations or singular projects. The essence of WOZO was its wide-ranging collaboration; over 35 parties, including ActiZ, joined forces to transition towards future-proof elder care. More than 140 care organizations participated, leveraging the 'Waardigheid en Trots' program to innovate in technology and the informal care network. This program, alongside the larger national campaign 'Praat vandaag over morgen,' has sparked increased awareness and participation regarding elder care issues.Housing Initiatives for Older AdultsSignificant advancements were also made in the housing sector thanks to WOZO. Agreements in various residential regions are set to deliver approximately 290,000 elder-friendly homes, which were supported by nearly 100 million euros in funding for suitable housing. Enhancements to primary care in line with the Vision 2030 have emerged, alongside growth in reablement initiatives and technology projects facilitated by the STOZ regulation.What's Next? Building on SuccessThe transition of WOZO into continuous policy under the Hoofdlijnenakkoord indicates a commitment to sustaining and deepening the changes initiated by the program. The new agreements carry forward vital objectives such as enhancing support for informal caregivers, improving access to nursing home care, and adapting service delivery in long-term care schemes. Emphasizing home care has become a foundational principle.Empowering the ElderlyAt the forefront of ActiZ’s philosophy is the crucial goal of empowering seniors so they can maintain independence for as long as possible. However, not all care providers have become accustomed to adopting a 'de-escalating' mindset. The approach of 'activating rather than taking over' necessitates a shift in attitude that requires time and understanding. ActiZ is researching how best to overcome these challenges to promote a more empowering care model.Moving Forward TogetherThe legacy of the WOZO program is more than a collection of policies; it's a movement towards a communal understanding of care that acknowledges the complexities of aging. It highlights a collaborative spirit that continues to shape how care is perceived and delivered in our communities. As we look toward a future with a growing elderly population, it's vital to carry these lessons forward, ensuring that the elderly not only receive care but thrive within their communities.