Household support from Wmo changes

If residents can no longer do their own housework due to limitations, they can turn to the municipality. Household support falls under the Wmo (Social Support Act). But there are more and more elderly people in Zoetermeer. As a result, the demand for help is increasing, while staff is not growing as fast. Therefore, the municipality has chosen to introduce a new way of domestic support during 2025.

When someone applies for domestic help under the new regulation, an interview takes place first. In this conversation, we look at what someone can still do for themselves and where training can help them become stronger and more stable. Powerful Ageing is an example of such training. It is already in use in several municipalities and has been successfully tested in practice by the municipality of Zoetermeer.

Coaching

For residents who need more support, the municipality has another new program. This is a combination of short-term household support and coaching. The coach comes to the person's home. Together they look for solutions to do the household themselves. For example, with tools and smart techniques.

Less dependent

With these trainings, the municipality wants to help residents stay active and less dependent. For residents who are not helped by training or short-term support, there is longer-term household support.

Below are questions and answers about the new policy.

Why did the municipality change domestic support?

There is increasing demand for domestic help. The workforce is not growing as fast. To keep domestic support available, we are going to help people continue to do their own housework. In a way that suits their capabilities.

I already have an indication from the municipality for domestic support. Will anything change for me?

You will keep your domestic support for the period of time stated in your decision. Your decree is the letter from the municipality that says how much support you will get and until when. If you ask for support again after that, things may change.

What does the new domestic support look like?

There will be 3 levels of support:

  1. Training to stay fit so you can continue to do your household by yourself (Powerful Ageing).
  2. Short-term household support that helps you regain independence in your household.
  3. Household support for an extended period if you have no ability to do it yourself.

The Wmo counselor will determine which level is best for you.

How is the support I receive determined?

The Wmo counselor reviews your request for help. The Wmo consultant may first have a conversation with you about your request for help in order to better assess what you need. Then the municipality can invite you for an intake. During this intake it will be assessed whether you can participate in a training to stay fit.

I am offered support level 1 (Powerful Ageing). What does that entail?

Support Level 1 is training aimed at making you fitter. This allows you to do your daily activities more easily, such as your housework. You decide whether you want to participate in the training.

I am offered support level 1 (now Powerful Ageing), but I would prefer household support. Is that possible?

If you can participate in the training, but do not want to, you may not qualify for domestic support. The Wmo-consultant evaluates this. If your situation changes in the future, you can report to the municipality again.

I am offered support level 2. What does that entail?

You are temporarily unable to do your housework, but we expect you to be able to do it yourself again after some time. You will receive short-term support to help you learn how to do your household by yourself again.

I am offered support level 3. What does that entail?

Because of your disability, you cannot do your housework for an extended period of time. The tasks you cannot do, a domestic worker will take over from you.

If I don't qualify for domestic support now, can I get it in the future?

If your situation changes, you can always report again. The municipality will then investigate. If you need domestic support, you will get it.

I disagree with the support I receive from the municipality. What can I do?

You can object to a decision made by the municipality. Your decision will tell you how to do this.