The Dutch Long-Term Care System in Transition: Implications for Municipalities

Introduction: The aim of this study is to examine the preparedness of Dutch municipalities (in terms of system readiness for innovation) for the challenges resulting from their new responsibilities under the long-term care reform of January 1, 2015. Methods: A qualitative research approach was used by conducting semi-structured interviews with representatives of nine Dutch municipalities responsible for the long-term care of older people in their respective municipalities. Results: Municipalities consider themselves to be largely prepared for their new responsibilities resulting from the long-term care reform. However, this perception mainly applies to practical changes (related to municipalities' organizational preparation for their new responsibilities) occurring in the short-term transition phase, not to the more long-term transformation phase. Conclusion: We argue that municipalities highly underestimate the long-term challenges that lie ahead of them (such as the development of a dedicated 'participation society') and, in fact, seem to fear the uncertainty of the consequences of these challenges.