Dutch Disability Care Warns of Admission Stops Due to Staff Shortages

Disability care organizations in the Netherlands are warning that severe staff shortages are now threatening to stop new admissions in some care units. This is mainly because rules on hiring self-employed workers (known as “zzp’ers”) are being strictly enforced this year, which has reduced the number of these freelancers available to help.
Key points from the situation:
Staffing crisis getting worse
There are fewer workers in disability care, especially in complex care settings. Some departments may soon have to stop admitting new clients because there simply aren’t enough staff members on shift.
Crisis care at risk
The first area expected to be affected is crisis care. If an admission stop happens there, people with disabilities who are struggling at home won’t be able to receive urgent help at care centers. Experts describe this as creating very stressful and distressing situations for families and clients.
Growing number of vacancies
The number of open jobs in disability care has risen sharply in recent years. In the second quarter of 2025, there were about 9,350 vacancies, the highest number since Statistics Netherlands began tracking these figures. Organizations expect shortages to continue growing, predicting a potential gap of 33,400 care workers by 2033 due to ageing, rising care demand, and fewer people entering disability care training.
Self-employed workers harder to use
New enforcement of the DBA law means care providers must be more careful about hiring self-employed workers. Many freelance caregivers prefer to remain independent rather than take a permanent job, which reduces the available workforce even more.
Practical effects on clients
Some families say that while essential care — like eating and sleeping routines — is still provided, important activities (like going outside or social engagement) are being skipped because there aren’t enough staff.
Government response
The State Secretary for Health acknowledged the problem and said she wants to work with care organizations to find solutions. She also noted that reducing administrative tasks and innovating work practices could help ease the pressure in the long term.

(Source: www.rtl.nl)