An informal care dwelling is a self-contained and fully equipped living space that is placed on or near an existing home for someone who requires long-term care. The dwelling includes essential facilities such as a bathroom, toilet, kitchenette, and sleeping area.
An informal care dwelling may be placed freestanding in the garden, delivered as a prefab unit, or created by converting an existing shed, garage, or extension. The goal is for the care recipient to live independently in direct proximity to their caregiver. This allows support to be provided quickly and practically while preserving privacy and independence for both parties.
Legal definition in the Netherlands
The Dutch national government provides a formal explanation of how informal care dwellings are assessed within the current legal framework1. The legal basis for informal care dwellings is established in the Omgevingswet2 and the related regulations, particularly the Besluit bouwwerken leefomgeving (Bbl), under the rules for associated structures.
In these regulations, informal care is defined as long-term and unpaid care provided within an existing social relationship to a person who is demonstrably in need of help. The care need must be established by a general practitioner, community nurse, or another qualified care professional before an informal care dwelling may be realised.
Continue reading: Do you qualify?
Types of informal care dwellings
Prefab construction
Prefab informal care dwellings are factory-built and delivered in one or more sections for on-site placement. These dwellings are typically quick to deliver, offer a consistent quality level, and require minimal construction time on location.
Conversion of existing buildings
An existing garage, shed, or extension can be converted into an informal care dwelling. This option is suitable when sufficient existing structure is available and when the environmental plan and technical requirements allow it. Financial considerations may also play a role, as conversion can sometimes be more cost-effective than new construction.
Temporary and modular units
For situations in which the care need is temporary, modular or relocatable units offer a practical solution. These units are fully equipped, easy to place, and can be removed when the informal care situation changes.
The situation after informal care ends
When the informal care ends, the dwelling may usually remain in place, but it may no longer be used as an independent dwelling. Independent facilities such as a kitchen must then be removed or taken out of use. The space may still be used—as storage, workspace, or guest accommodation—as long as it no longer functions as an independent residential unit.
Benefits of an informal care dwelling
An informal care dwelling provides a safe, independent, and future-proof housing solution for people with care needs. The proximity to the caregiver makes care easier, faster, and less demanding.
It also enables the care recipient to remain in a familiar environment for longer, without the need to move to a care facility. For caregivers, the small distance and clear arrangement of the living situation make it easier to combine care with work and family life.