Zorgtaak

Zorgtaak is a Dutch term used to describe a specific activity involved in the provision of care. The word combines zorg (care) and taak (task) and is used across health and social care settings to refer to any action performed to support a person’s well-being, safety, or functioning. In many contexts the term describes day-to-day activities carried out by caregivers, support workers, or health professionals as part of a care process.

Contexts and scope include a range of activities, from basic daily living tasks such as bathing, dressing, toileting and eating, to instrumental activities of daily living like shopping, meal planning, transportation, and managing finances. Some zorgtaken involve clinical tasks such as administering medications, wound care, monitoring vital signs, or managing medical devices; these are typically performed by trained personnel under appropriate supervision and protocols.

Planning and delegation occur through care plans (zorgplan) that define tasks and organize their distribution among care staff according to role, qualification and client need. Documentation and communication with the client and healthcare team are part of ensuring that zorgtaken are carried out safely and consistently.

Regulation and training determine who may perform a given zorgtaak. Local laws and professional standards may require licensure or specific training for certain tasks, while others may be delegated to qualified support workers under supervision and clear guidelines.

Ethical and quality considerations include respect for client autonomy and dignity, obtaining consent where possible, protecting privacy, and ensuring safety. Regular evaluation of tasks, client outcomes and adherence to care plans is common in quality assurance processes.