rootszorg

Rootszorg, or root care, is a concept in health and social care that emphasizes addressing the underlying causes of health problems and social needs, rather than focusing solely on symptoms. It integrates medical treatment with social support, housing, and community resources to improve long-term outcomes for individuals and households.

Core elements include holistic assessment, person-centered care planning, case management, and collaboration among professionals from medicine, nursing, social work, housing, and community organizations. Services are often delivered through domiciliary care, community health teams, and primary care networks, with a focus on prevention, early intervention, and continuity of care across settings. Participation by patients and families is encouraged to tailor interventions to local circumstances.

Who benefits? Root care is applied to populations with complex or intertwined medical and social needs, such as older adults, people with chronic illness or disability, and those facing social disadvantage or isolation. The aim is to reduce dependence on acute care by coordinating services and addressing risk factors in the home and community.

Implementation and policy: in many systems rootszorg is funded through a mix of public funding, health insurance reimbursements, and contracted care providers. Successful implementation requires interoperable information systems and clear governance to align health, social services, and community resources.

Outcomes and challenges: reported outcomes include improved well-being, better functional status, and lowered hospital admissions, though evidence varies by setting. Challenges include coordination across sectors, workforce capacity, data privacy, and sustaining long-term funding.

Origins and related concepts: the approach aligns with broader trends toward integrated care and attention to social determinants of health. Related ideas include integrated care, social prescribing, and community health nursing.