More room for bridging care at Hanzeborg residential care facility

Woonzorg Flevoland opens the expansion of the 'bridging ward' at residential care facility Hanzeborg in Lelystad this week. Twelve additional places are available for people waiting for a place in the nursing home, but where living at home is no longer possible. "There is a real need for this from the region." 

"The expansion provides a faster flow to a home in a residential care facility. As a result, more people are helped," says care manager Pascale Quadvlieg. Residents of the bridging ward wait on the ward for apartments in a nursing home of Woonzorg Flevoland, but can also move on to a home of another care provider in the region.  

This bridging unit first had eight spots. The expansion brings the total number of spots to 20. "Of these, one room is a crisis place; a room for emergencies. This is where people come who need acute care, and where care at home is not sufficient. It may be that we are called by a general practitioner, saying that someone will arrive within an hour for the crisis room. It is then a matter of switching gears quickly, getting the room ready and properly accommodating the client and any loved ones who come along."  

For many clients, living in the bridging unit is the farewell to independent living. Quadvlieg's team ensures that the landing from home to nursing home is as gentle as possible. "During the intake interview, there is room for questions from the client and one's loved one. We also map out what the care and support was like in the home situation and how this can be continued in the bridging unit.We discuss the client's options in this, the role of the family caregiver and the additional role of the care team." 

In the bridging unit, a new care concept is used. In this, the client's network, such as partner, children, friends and acquaintances, has an important role. Professional care complements informal care. Caregivers and nurses are responsible for physical care and support. Care technology is also used wherever possible, such as a medication dispenser, a device that dispenses medication.  

The care offered at the bridging unit is aimed at clients with physical care needs, and therefore not for people with dementia. To qualify for a place in a residential care facility, a Wlz indication is required. This requires an indication from VV6, LG4, or LG6. This indication is issued by the Centrum Indicatiestelling Zorg (CIZ).