This week, the Department of Care and Minister Caroline Gennez (Vooruit) announced that the Vordenstein residential care center in Schoten will have to close by March 2026. The reason would be the persistent shortages in terms of safety, dignity and quality care. Flemish Member of Parliament Sarah Smeyers (N-VA) remains with many questions and calls for full transparency and clarity.
The Vordenstein residential care center in Schoten has been under increased supervision by the Healthcare Inspectorate since December 2024. Since that time, a provisional management has been working on tackling various points of interest. As a result, the last inspection report in September 2025 turned out to be quite positive and many issues were no longer a problem.
Minister
“Contrary to what messages from the Flemish administration suggested, there were sufficient staff, there was a working call system, and the privacy of residents was indeed guaranteed. We therefore do not understand the decision to close, certainly not supported by the minister,” says Smeyers.
“It was decided at an office in Brussels that we have to move.” This quote begins with the open letter that several residents and family members sent out on Wednesday. They acknowledge the previous problems, but also indicate that they have now been resolved. The thought that 73 residents will be forced to move without any consultation is difficult.
The N-VA, which together with Vooruit is part of the Flemish government, demands clarity and transparency. “It is unacceptable that some facilities do not receive any inspections for years and others are punished because they have just eliminated those inspection points. We are facing very major challenges within the sector: staff shortages, financing for care, affordability, etc. We want the minister and the administration to focus on those who are really tarnishing the sector,” says Smeyers.