Care, assistance and assistive devices during your stay in Flanders
Holiday accommodation with care support
A holiday accommodation offering care support could be a great option for you. These properties are not only accessible, but also provide the support and assistive devices you need during your holiday. Available services vary per accommodation. Some have assistive devices such as adjustable-height beds and hoists, or on-site care and nursing staff. Others collaborate with assistive device hire agencies, community nurses, physiotherapists and other local care providers to help you to arrange this care in advance. Personal care, adapted transport, special dietary requirements or other forms of support may also be available.
Always contact the holiday accommodation in advance. Discuss what support you need and ask what is available on-site, what the accommodation can arrange for you, and what you might need to organise yourself. Can’t find suitable accommodation from the list below? You can choose another accessible holiday accommodation and arrange the necessary care and assistive devices yourself.
The accessibility finder has more information about accessibility and the facilities at the various accommodation options.
Arranging your own care while on holiday
Do you need nursing care during your stay in Flanders? If so, you can contact a regional home nursing service or an independent nurse near your holiday accommodation. It is best to get in touch in good time to discuss your care needs, the support available, practical arrangements and costs. A doctor’s prescription may be required for certain treatments. Various organisations will be happy to help, but please bear in mind that specific terms and conditions may sometimes apply to temporary visitors.
If you need to see a doctor, physiotherapist or other care professional while on holiday, you can find care providers by profession, specialism and location via Health Pro. Your accommodation provider can also help you find a care provider in the area, who you can also turn to for urgent medical care during your stay.
If you require dialysis or another specialist treatment you should contact a hospital or specialised medical centre near your accommodation well in advance of your departure. This allows you to book appointments in good time and check which documents you will need to provide. Here is an overview of kidney dialysis centres in Flanders. Large hospitals such as UZ Brussels and UZ Leuven have dedicated services for international patients.
Assistive devices for a comfortable stay
Would you like to use an adjustable-height bed, hoist, mobility scooter or other assistive device during your holiday? Through the organisations listed below, you can find out which loan or hire services are located near your accommodation and which assistive aids you can request. Please contact them in good time to discuss your requirements and check whether the required assistive device can be delivered to your holiday address. Some lighter devices/equipment may need to be collected in person. Please also enquire in advance about the hire and delivery charges. Depending on your circumstances and health insurance provider, additional costs may apply.
Travel tip
Before you set off, check with your health insurance provider to find out which care/treatments will be reimbursed, what documents you’ll need and whether you need to seek prior authorisation. Pre-planned care may be subject to different conditions than unexpected medical care while you are on holiday. Please also discuss your healthcare needs with your holiday accommodation and your own doctor or care provider. That way, you’ll know what is already available, what your accommodation can arrange for you, and what you will need to organise yourself.
