1 million people feel seriously limited

Nearly 1 in 3 people aged 4 and older reported in 2023 being long-term limited in activities people usually do.

4-2-2026 06:30

Nearly 1 in 3 people aged 4 and older reported in 2023 being long-term limited in activities people usually do: 25 percent were not seriously limited, 6 percent reported being seriously limited. This means about 1 million people report being seriously limited. This emerges from the Health Survey, an annual study by Statistics Netherlands (CBS).

The Health Survey is a study on the health of individuals in private households. In 2023, 30 percent of participants said they were limited in activities usually done by adults and children, due to health problems lasting six months or longer. This is 5.1 million people. Of this group, 1 million people say they are seriously limited. Others are limited but not seriously. Older people report being long-term limited more often. Among those aged 65 and over, 52 percent are limited, compared to 24 percent of those aged 4 to 65. The proportion of people with a limitation has increased over the past 9 years, but the proportion reporting serious limitation has remained stable.

Limitation, serious

Total

1 in 6 people with a limitation receives Wmo support

People with a long-term limitation more often use help and support from municipalities. In 2023, 16.5 percent of people with a limitation received support from the Social Support Act (Wmo). Of people with a serious limitation, 39.7 percent receive Wmo support. This often includes help with household tasks and transport services and facilities.

Of young people (4 to 18 years) with a limitation, 33.2 percent received Youth Care under the Youth Act in 2023. This is support while the young person formally lives at home. Among adults with a limitation, over 5 percent used reintegration or participation facilities under the Participation Act in 2023.

Limited

1 in 3 people with a limitation receives aids or district nursing

People with a limitation can receive aids or district nursing paid under the Health Insurance Act. Of people reporting long-term limitation, 32.4 percent received aids and/or district nursing under the Health Insurance Act in 2023. Of people with a serious limitation, 51.7 percent used these aids and/or district nursing.

People with a limitation can also receive care paid under the Long-term Care Act (Wlz). The Wlz provides heavy, intensive care for vulnerable elderly, people with a limitation, and people with a mental disorder. An indication is required for this care. Especially elderly receive care under the Wlz. Of elderly people reporting long-term limitation, 3.5 percent use the Wlz. Of elderly people with a serious limitation, 10.8 percent use the Wlz.

Limited

1 million people feel seriously limited

1 in 6 people with a limitation receives Wmo support

1 in 3 people with a limitation receives aids or district nursing

1 in 5 people with a limitation receives disability benefit

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