‘Residence ’t Gasthuis: independent living with care within reach’

At Residence ’t Gasthuis, Ter Weel offers a unique type of housing where care and autonomy come together. Residents live independently for as long as possible. If they need help, they receive it in their own apartments. If intensive care is required, residents have the option to move within the residential complex, so that they do not have to leave their familiar surroundings.

Unique concept with owner-occupied apartments

Rebuilding Residence ’t Gasthuis is a major project that the care group has been working hard on in recent years. The old building had to be demolished in two phases, with 63 care apartments, 44 rented apartments and 45 owner-occupied apartments rising in its place. Coby Traas, director of Ter Weel, says the development was a challenging process: ‘Combining care, rented and owner-occupied apartments is a concept that is still relatively unknown in care for the elderly. The business case became even more complex due to additional requirements, such as the need to meet nitrogen standards and gas-free construction targets and to find sources for heat and cold storage.’ 

Building on trust

Ter Weel approached BNG for the funding. With BNG, the healthcare institution was able to secure a loan under favourable conditions, with the Healthcare Sector Guarantee Fund standing surety for part of the loan. Traas: ‘Banks are naturally risk-averse, but with BNG we have built up a good relationship in which we feel a lot of mutual trust. BNG does not go into panic mode immediately when things hit a rough patch.’ Okko Dijkstra, healthcare sector lead at BNG, confirms the good working relationship: ‘We are open and honest with each other. That is a solid basis for good cooperation. We sense a great deal of commitment on Ter Weel’s part.’

Cherishing conviviality

In addition to fulfilling its primary care task, Residence ’t Gasthuis also serves as a meeting place for residents and people living nearby. Take the restaurant, for example. Traas has noticed that many healthcare institutions are closing such facilities because of the costs. ‘By contract, we are investing in it and see that it works. This social aspect is essential for a care home. Cherish that conviviality.’ Ter Weel is also working on innovative solutions to make life easier for its residents. In Residence ’t Gasthuis, all care home electronics can be operated from a single device, from the motion sensor under the mattress to the call button and camera surveillance. Moreover, the group is working on a pick-up point for groceries and a shared mobility scooter hub. Traas says the reason is obvious: ‘Why would you only buy those things for your own use?’

Autonomy over own health and independence

With Residence ’t Gasthuis, Ter Weel is responding to the care needs of the future. The new apartments are in line with the trend of people continuing to live independently for longer while remaining autonomous. Traas: ‘The latest generation of elderly people in particular attaches a great deal of value to individual freedom. Residence ’t Gasthuis offers them the opportunity to maintain that freedom, with the certainty that care is always within reach.’