zorgplek

Zorgplek is a planning concept used in Dutch urban policy to denote a designated site or district where integrated care services are co-located to serve a target population, such as older adults, people with chronic conditions, or persons with disabilities. The term combines zorg, meaning care, and plek, meaning place, reflecting its focus on proximity and coordination of services. In practice, a zorgplek brings together healthcare facilities, social work, housing with support, day-care activities, and community spaces within a walkable area, often adjacent to public transport nodes.

Implementation centers on partnerships among municipalities, housing associations, healthcare providers, and social services. Projects typically include a central care hub, residential units with on-site support, multipurpose rooms, and digital health infrastructure. Financing blends public funding with private investment and social funding instruments, sometimes augmented by regional or European grants aimed at aging-in-place and neighborhood revitalization.

Historically, the zorgplek concept emerged in the early 21st century as part of reforms to promote integrated care and more sustainable housing for aging populations. It has been explored in pilot programs across several Dutch municipalities, with varying scales and outcomes. Advocates argue that colocated services reduce travel barriers, streamline care pathways, and foster social inclusion, while critics note higher upfront costs and concerns about potential stigmatization or enclave development.

See also: integrated care, age-friendly cities, care housing, housing with care.