While care professionals Individual Care constitute the largest professional group within long-term care - with over 136,000 care professionals - their expertise remains underappreciated by policymakers, managers and other care professionals. This lack of appreciation has major consequences, especially as the shortage of Individual Care professionals could reach more than 51,000 by 2035. Without them, care is at risk of literally grinding to a halt.
Indispensable but invisible
The study shows that care professionals occupy a key position in care. They not only provide personal care and nursing technical acts, but are also the ears and eyes of doctors, therapists and nurses. Their knowledge of clients' wishes and needs is indispensable in district nursing, nursing home care, disability care and rehabilitation care. Yet it appears that both within care organisations and in wider society, their contribution is insufficiently recognised and valued.
Social impact: a visual ode to care professionals
To raise awareness around the role of care professionals, researchers Marieke van Wieringen and Kim van Erp of Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam initiated the photo book Onzichtbaar maar onmisbaar (Invisible but Indispensable). This book, with photography by John van Hamond, captures the versatility and importance of caregivers in a impressie way. From daily care tasks to nursing techniques, and from reassuring conversation to intensive supervision: the book shows the impact of their work with love, care and humour.
A call for change
This photo book is more than a tribute; it is an urgent call to policymakers, politicians and society to give carers the recognition and appreciation they deserve. Without them, care comes to a standstill. It is time to see them, take them seriously and invest in them.
The official launch of Invisible but Indispensable took place on 17 March 2025 at Verpleegkundigen en Verzorgenden Nederland. The book is a collaboration with V&VN Verzorgenden and came about with a grant from the VU Association and financial contributions from V&VN and Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam.
Photo: John van Hamond
"As a care professional, I get to administer medicines. This lady gets them with some apple sauce: she likes that and it makes swallowing easier. When I sit down next to her, she always puts her head against my shoulder."