“I thought this couldn’t be true: I’m lying in my bed! And the next day, they’re having a hard time waking me up. I’m still refueling. My whole body and mind are in a relaxed state. This is quite a change.”

Gert Jan is only 67 years old, but he needs care every day. Because of problems with his back, heart and kidneys, he is confined to a wheelchair. However, he has often been on his own in recent months, because due to cuts in health care, there is not enough staff to help him get in and out of bed every day.

A lot has happened since Geert Jan told his story in Omrup Brabant. Not only was he burdened with responses from strangers who supported him and sometimes wanted to help him, but the Freedom Party also asked parliamentary questions. “I had a behind-the-scenes tour of the House of Representatives and spoke there with Flor Agima, Geert Wilders and Minister Connie Helder.”

Gert Jan has been receiving help from home care twice a day for two weeks. “I received a call saying that the project had been completed,” he says with emotion. “And that they had managed to attract employees.” “This was absolutely necessary. I’m glad I did this. A lot of people complain about health care and I think: Open your mouth. Let your voice be heard. But a lot of people don’t dare because they’re afraid of losing their care to a beating.”

“It took six months,” says Gert Jan, swallowing his tears. “When I think about our mother. If she had known that, I don’t think she would have survived. She’s 94 years old.”

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