Addressing hospital pressure, Iriscare seeks to fill the gap for intermediate care solutions for individuals no longer requiring hospitalization but not yet ready for safe discharge home. The organization is therefore relaunching its call for projects to establish convalescence units, an offering currently absent in Brussels.
The goal is to open 130 beds in Brussels through co-financing from INAMI and Iriscare. To enhance the project's appeal and ensure a sustainable convalescence service, Iriscare is significantly increasing its financial contribution, from 250,000 euros to 580,000 euros, in addition to the federal daily allowance.
Minister of Health and Social Action, Ahmed Laaouej, emphasizes the importance of this support: "Our role is precisely to ensure no one is left behind during this fragile period." Brussels Minister for Health and Aid to Persons, Dirk De Smedt, adds that these 130 places will provide the necessary time and support for individuals to regain autonomy, thereby avoiding unnecessarily long hospital stays.
A convalescence bed offers an intermediate step between hospital and home, accommodating patients who have temporarily lost autonomy after hospitalization, surgery, or due to chronic illness. It provides a secure environment, rehabilitation and recovery programs, and multidisciplinary support to help them regain sufficient independence before returning home or to a residential facility.
Iriscare has been working on this initiative for several months, analyzing existing systems and preparing a regional framework. Visits to convalescence centers have provided practical feedback to identify key success factors for establishing these units in Brussels.
The complete call for projects dossier is available on the Iriscare website. Applications must be submitted to the selection committee by November 30, 2026.
Iriscare is a public interest organization serving both communities, ensuring access to social rights and care services in the Brussels Region.
