HRM-policy in the elder care sector is facing huge challenges. Will we have enough care providers to meet the care needs of our elderly in the future? Which bottlenecks do care institutions experience to pursue an adequate personnel policy?

Remarks and suggestions from people working in the elder care sector

Itinera organized for the first time the Itinera Summer Seminar. Around forty promising professionals coming from various horizons discussed the budgetary challenge, the impact of ageing on pensions and healthcare, and a sustainable Belgian energy policy.

The challenges of local elderly policy are enormous. Many people assume they will be able to rely on a well-functioning trajectory of adapted living and care services when they grow old.

Historically financial repression is part of the cocktail to reduce too high debt levels, where part of the bill is shifted to the saver or policyholder. This creates the need for flexibility as regards the regulation of complementary pensions.

Belgium not only has to cut its deficit but also needs budget surpluses to consolidate public debt. It’s important not to be blinded by cyclical improvements as they will be dwarfed by new costs due to ageing.

While the rest of Europe awakens to put order into their public finances and to prepare the pension shock, Belgium goes back to bed with its institutional problems. But the problem needs to be addressed now.

Marc De Vos sees how all political parties acknowledge the necessity of working longer while the reality on the labour market does not follow, notwithstanding the Generation Pact. The crisis has again put older workers in the firing line.

Belgium is not prepared for ageing. There is no need to panic, however, appropriate immediate action is essential. The red book about pensions evaluates the situation and the evolution of the pensions, and recommends a plan to maintain our pension scheme.