Quarter less healthcare staff in commercial than in public residential care centers

In 2024, an average of 41 full-time care workers (full-time equivalents, or VTEs) worked per 100 residents in commercial residential care centers, compared to 52 in the public sector and 48.5 in the non-profit sector. In 2023 this difference was 7.6 VTEs per 100 residents, but in 2024 this increased to 11 VTEs.

« While the problem of lower staff deployment in commercial residential care centers has been known for some time, we see that the gap is increasing, » said Lise Vandecasteele. « You can only decide that there is a skimp on staff to keep the costs low and the profits high. Care really does not belong in a profit model. In healthcare, the residents and staff must always come first. »

Vandecasteele also indicates that the staffing in elderly care in general has improved light compared to previous years. « Nevertheless, the workload remains high and many healthcare workers fall out due to overloading, » she says. « According to the trade unions and employers, at least 90 VTEs per 100 residents are needed to be able to offer high -quality care 24/7. Currently the standard is – including the non -subsidized staff – only 60 to 70 VTEs. »

According to the extremely left -wing Member of Parliament, it is « clear that structural procedures are needed to reduce the workload and improve the quality of care ». The party also calls for an extinguishing scenario for commercial elderly care.