All about live-in care
At Happyhomecare, we understand the challenges surrounding care and personal budgets. That's why we offer a live-in care concept that combines expert nursing care with a warm, homely feeling.
What exactly is 24-hour home care?
24-hour home care, also known as live-in care, is an intensive form of informal caregiver support and nursing care in which the caregiver temporarily lives with the client. Unlike regular home care, where caregivers only visit for a few minutes, live-in care has someone present 24/7. This offers safety, companionship, and immediate assistance in emergencies. It is the most popular alternative to moving to a nursing home in the Netherlands.
Difference between home care and live-in care The biggest difference is in time and continuity.
That is why we offer affordable 24-hour home care, which is specially tailored to your personal situation. Our healthcare professionals are more than willing to provide you with the best possible care. Let's create the care you deserve together. Read more about our care offering here.
Specialized care for Alzheimer's and Dementia
For people with dementia or Alzheimer's disease, a familiar environment is crucial. Moving to a facility often causes deterioration and confusion. Our live-in care in the The Hague and South Holland region offers the solution: peace and regularity. Because we work with permanent caregivers, the client always sees a familiar face. This reduces anxiety and wandering, symptoms that are common with dementia.
Care options after a CVA (Stroke)
After a stroke (cerebral infarction or hemorrhage), the transition from hospital to home is significant. Happyhomecare offers specific support for stroke patients. Our caregivers provide supervision (fall prevention), assist with daily rehabilitation exercises, and are patient with speech problems (aphasia). We act as the safe bridge between the rehabilitation center and independent living.
Who offers warm and personal home care in the Netherlands?
At Happyhomecare, we select caregivers who are passionate about care. We believe that a good connection is just as important as a qualification. Our caregivers speak (in addition to English or German) the language of care: empathy. They become part of the household, creating a personal bond that is often lacking in conventional care.
Continuity of care
That is why we offer affordable 24-hour home care, which is specially tailored to your personal situation. Our healthcare professionals are more than willing to provide you with the best possible care. Let's create the care you deserve together. Read more about our care offering here.
Working area: The Hague and South Holland
Happyhomecare specializes in 24-hour care in the South Holland region. From our base in The Hague, we serve clients in Wassenaar, Rijswijk, Voorburg, Rotterdam, and the Westland region. Because we're locally based, we can respond quickly and personally visit you for an intake interview.
Is 24-hour care affordable? (PGB Reimbursement)
Yes, live-in care is often surprisingly affordable. In the Netherlands, this care is often covered by the Long-Term Care Act (Wlz) through the Personal Budget (PGB). Because you remain living at home, you don't pay a high personal contribution like you would in a private care home. We offer free assistance in identifying the costs and supporting you with your PGB application.
What does a live-in caregiver need?
To provide 24-hour care, the living situation must be suitable. The caregiver is entitled to their own private space in your home. The following are the minimum requirements:
A private bedroom (with a door that can be closed for privacy).
Access to a bathroom and toilet (may be shared).
Access to the internet (WiFi) to keep in touch with their own family.
Full room and board (meals and drinks).
Who does the shopping and cooking?
This is done in consultation. Cooking and eating together is often an important social moment of the day. The caregiver can do the grocery shopping and cook, taking your dietary preferences into account. The caregiver's household allowance is included in the room and board, but the groceries themselves are paid by the household.
We believe that you have the right to care in a home environment where you feel safe and comfortable.
Because live-in care is a human-centered job, it can happen that the chemistry isn't right. Happyhomecare offers a replacement guarantee. If it doesn't work out, we'll immediately start looking for a new candidate who's a better fit. Because we work with a selection of permanent caregivers, there's often a second colleague who's already familiar with the situation and can step in.
Can married couples continue to live together?
Absolutely. This is one of the greatest advantages of our care. In a nursing home, couples are sometimes separated if only one of them needs care (or has different levels of care). With 24-hour care at home, you can remain together in your familiar surroundings. The caregiver supports the partner who needs care and relieves the healthy partner of heavy caregiving responsibilities.
We believe that you have the right to care in a home environment where you feel safe and comfortable.
Nursing home waiting lists are often long. Happyhomecare can usually provide care within one to two weeks of receiving the initial consultation. In emergencies (such as sudden hospital discharge after a stroke or fall), we strive to respond even more quickly.
Is this suitable as bridging care?
Yes. Sometimes people wait for a specific place in a nursing home. Live-in care can serve as a temporary bridge (for example, 3 to 6 months) to spend that time safely and comfortably at home.
What does the process look like from application to start?
At Happyhomecare, we work with a clear step-by-step plan to provide care quickly and safely in The Hague and the surrounding area:
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Telephone Intake: You contact us for a no-obligation consultation. We'll assess your care needs, living situation, and specific wishes.
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The Home Visit: We come to your home (in the South Holland region) to personally assess the situation and meet the client.
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Recruitment & Selection: Based on the character and care needs, we select suitable care providers from our database.
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Candidate Introduction: You will receive a profile of the proposed care provider. If you are satisfied, we will schedule a start date.
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The Start Day: The caregiver arrives. We will guide them through the process and ensure a smooth handover.
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Evaluation: After the first few weeks, we will contact you to see if everything is going well.
What is the difference between an 'Au Pair' and a 'Care Au Pair'?
The term "au pair" is often used, but there's a big difference. A regular au pair is there for cultural exchange and light childcare. A Happyhomecare au pair (or live-in caregiver) is an experienced, adult professional specifically trained in elderly care, dementia care, and nursing support.
What does a day with a live-in caregiver look like?
No two days are the same, because we adapt to your rhythm. However, this example gives a good idea of the peace and structure we offer:
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Morning: The caregiver will help you get up, shower, and get dressed (ADL care) at a time that suits you. Then you'll have breakfast together. There's no rush because the caregiver doesn't have to be anywhere else.
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Afternoon: After lunch (which the caregiver can prepare), there's time for relaxation. Perhaps a walk around the neighborhood, playing a game together, or being accompanied to a hospital appointment. If you need to rest, the caregiver will take a break.
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The Evening: Cooking and eating together is often the most enjoyable part of the day. In the evening, there's company in front of the TV or a good conversation.
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The Night: You sleep safe in the knowledge that someone is in your home.
What does the healthcare provider not do?
Our caregivers are there to provide care, support, and light housework (cooking, laundry, vacuuming). However, they are not "cleaners" for major maintenance (such as window cleaning or gardening). They also do not perform medical procedures reserved for doctors (such as injections), but they do collaborate with the community nurses who visit for this purpose.