In an episode of the Dutch program 'Even tot hier', parents Karen and Jonas shared the challenges of caring for their 15-year-old daughter, Anna, who has multiple disabilities and requires extensive informal care. The family revealed that the care villa Anna occasionally attended has been closed following criticism from shareholders regarding costs. [1]
The discussion took place during a week dedicated to raising awareness about the high pressure faced by informal caregivers, who often provide unpaid support to chronically ill relatives or people with disabilities. The segment was broadcast on the show 'Even tot hier'. Hosts Jeroen Woe and Niels van der Laan explained that many informal caregivers struggle to balance their duties with professional employment, which frequently leads to exhaustion and psychological issues, even as the demand for such care increases. [1]
Jeroen Woe noted that the Dutch cabinet has implemented budget cuts for long-term care, shifting professional services toward commercial entities. One such provider, Expert Care, operated specialized care villas designed for severely disabled children. However, Niels van der Laan announced that these Expert Care villas are now closing. [1]
The impact of these closures on parents was a central theme of the discussion. Speaking via video link, Jonas described Anna as being severely intellectually and multiply disabled, stating that she is effectively unable to perform any tasks independently. Karen explained that although Anna is 15, she functions like a baby and requires 24-hour intensive care. This includes monitoring for epilepsy and managing risks of choking or aspiration. The demands of this care led Karen to stop working some time ago, and Jonas followed suit on October 1. [1]
The parents emphasized that there is currently no alternative care available for their daughter. Jonas detailed how Villa Expert Care provided critical respite, allowing Anna to stay for one weekend a month (48 hours) or for a week during school holidays. This enabled the parents to rest and spend quality time with their two sons. With the villa closed, the family has found no nearby placements for short-term stays. This has disrupted their personal plans, including a desired three-week trip to Andalusia, Spain, where Jonas had previously studied and wished to show the family the region. [1]
The parents expressed strong disapproval of the situation. Jonas described the closure of the remaining two villas by the end of the year as 'scandalous,' stating that while he could use stronger language, that term summarized the situation for television. [1]
At the conclusion of the broadcast, Niels van der Laan, appearing as 'Hoofdpiet', visited the family. He arranged for the parents and sons to spend a day at the Efteling amusement park while a nurse cared for Anna. Meanwhile, Hoofdpiet and local children decorated the family's living room with Spanish flags and snacks to bring a piece of Spain to their home since the trip to Andalusia was not possible. The group also created a mosaic of the entire family, leaving Jonas visibly moved to tears. [1]
Episodes of 'Even tot hier' are available for viewing via NPO Start NPO Start. [1]
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