Frequently Asked Questions
General
What is Stay Close?
Stay Close is a platform that connects caregivers with host families near care institutions. We offer a warm, affordable place to stay for people who want to be close to their loved one during a hospital stay. Around hospitals, hundreds of beds often stand empty at residents' homes - we bring supply and demand together.
How does Stay Close work?
Caregivers create a profile and search for available host families within 30 minutes travel time from the care institution. Host families respond within 24 hours to requests. Our platform takes into account the needs of caregivers and the possibilities of host families for a good match.
Is Stay Close free?
The platform itself is free to use. Caregivers pay a cost compensation of €10 per day (€15 with meals) directly to the host family. After the stay, we ask for a voluntary contribution to the platform ('Pay what you can') - suggestions: €5, €50, €150 or another amount of your choice.
Where is Stay Close active?
Currently we focus on the Leuven region as a Proof of Concept, in collaboration with UZ Leuven and WZC De Wingerd. Phase 2 (2026) brings Flemish rollout, Phase 3 (2027-2030) European scaling to 50 cities.
For Host Families
What are the requirements to become a host family?
You have a spare room, you live within 30 minutes travel time from one of the care institutions (UZ Leuven, UZ Pellenberg or De Wingerd) and you want to help people. You can use the location check to discover if your location is suitable.
What requirements must a room meet?
You offer a well-maintained room with a bed and storage space for clothes. We don't have requirements for things like room size. Your guest must also be able to use a (shared) bathroom. When you list your offer on our platform, you can describe your room and home properties in more detail (e.g., facilities, accessibility...).
What is expected of a host family?
The minimum a host family provides is a room with a bed, a place to eat, a (shared) bathroom, and respect for each other's privacy. It's not mandatory for a host family to provide meals or eat together with your guest(s); you can make arrangements about this according to your preferences. As a host family, you do provide a place (separate or shared) where your guest can prepare and eat something. Some caregivers need rest and privacy, others appreciate a chat or a listening ear. Clearly communicate your needs to each other. As a host family, you're free to help with other things such as providing bicycles.
What happens after I sign up as a host family?
First of all: how wonderful to welcome you to the Stay Close community! After registration, someone from Stay Close will contact you by phone to go through everything together. From then on, your offer can be matched with caregiver requests. When you'll receive your first request depends on factors including the number and type of caregiver requests, your offer, and offers from other host families. Stay Close is a new initiative in full startup phase, so we're excited too! In the meantime, you can explore the support resources for host families.
How much say do I have as a host family in the matching process?
When you receive a request from a caregiver, as a host family you always have the choice to accept or decline the request.
How far in advance do you receive a request?
Caregivers can submit a request at any time. Some requests can be well planned in advance, some requests are more ad hoc and urgent.
How much time do I have to respond to a request?
Host families are asked to respond as quickly as possible (and at the latest within 24 hours) to a request. This can be a confirmation, but also a message with additional questions or a rejection.
Can you determine yourself when and for how long you are a host family?
As a host family, you indicate yourself when your room is available. You can also indicate what your maximum stay period is.
My room is not available year-round, is that a problem?
Of course not! Some host families have a room that's only available during the week, or only in the summer months. When you create a profile, you can indicate your room's availability in detail. You can also adjust your room's availability at any time.
How long does an average stay last?
The stay period of a caregiver can vary greatly: from one night to several weeks or months. This depends on each request. Some guests may also want to go home during the stay period. This is different for everyone.
What agreements do I make with my guest(s)?
The foundation for a pleasant stay is making clear and transparent agreements. We've created a guide for agreements to go through together at the start of a stay. You can adjust the agreements to the needs of both parties: every host family, every guest, and every situation is different. Some caregivers will be away all day to be with their loved one, other guests will be present in the house during the day, e.g., between visiting hours or to rest. Discuss in advance what is possible.
What support can a host family expect from Stay Close?
Stay Close provides extensive materials to support host families as well as possible before, during, and after a stay. We've collected everything in our support resources. For host families receiving their first guest, we maintain regular phone contact. Additionally, we're available by email and/or phone to answer questions during office hours. For caregiver-specific questions, we're happy to refer you to specialized partner organizations.
Does a caregiver also need care?
Every person and situation is different. Some caregivers need a listening ear, while others need rest and privacy. Some caregivers are in a predictable care situation, others in a more unpredictable, acute or critical situation. It's important to clearly communicate to each other what types of contact and coexistence are desired. Sometimes it can be too much for caregivers too. Being there for each other, a listening ear or a chat can mean a lot. Are you worried about your guest? Or is it very difficult for you? We at Stay Close are here for you. Through our support resources, we offer various ways to support both the caregiver and the host family.
What if I no longer want to continue the stay?
At Stay Close, we strive for every stay to be a pleasant one. That's why we recommend that the host family and caregiver take a moment after a short period of 3 days to evaluate the stay together. We provide an evaluation guide with some guiding questions. This way, ambiguities, assumptions, concerns or questions can be expressed early and solutions can be sought together in case of any frustrations. Of course, it can always happen that a stay doesn't work out for a certain reason. That's okay. As a host family or caregiver, you can end the stay at any time. We will then work together to find a suitable solution.
Can I exchange experiences with other host families?
Throughout the year, Stay Close organizes several activities where we bring our community together: to exchange experiences, learn from each other, and be together. There are also our information sessions where we give host families a voice. Do you have ideas or suggestions? Let us know, our offerings are in full development.
For Caregivers
What requirements must a room meet?
Host families offer a well-maintained room with a bed and the possibility to store clothes. We don't have requirements for things like room size. Additionally, as a guest you must be able to use a (shared) bathroom. On the platform, you'll find a description and characteristics for each room, such as accessibility.
What can you expect from a host family?
The minimum that a host family provides is a room with a bed, a place to eat, a (shared) bathroom, and respect for your privacy. A host family is not obligated to provide meals or eat together with you; you can make arrangements about this according to your preferences. A host family does provide a place (separate or shared) where you can prepare and eat something yourself. Some caregivers need rest and privacy, others appreciate a chat or a listening ear. Clearly communicate your needs to each other. Host families are free to help with other things such as transportation by providing bicycles.
Am I a caregiver?
You might not be familiar with the term 'caregiver' and/or not identify with it (yet). A caregiver is someone who provides care to a family member, friend, or neighbor who temporarily or permanently needs help. Want to know more about caregiving? Visit https://www.mantelzorgers.be (Dutch) or https://www.aidants-proches.be/ (French).
Can anyone submit a request?
Anyone caring for a loved one who is admitted to a care institution and looking for nearby accommodation can submit a request through Stay Close. Caregivers who create a profile must indicate which care institution their loved one is connected to.
Can I request accommodation for multiple people?
Host families indicate in their offer how many people they can accommodate. When filling in a request, the caregiver indicates how many people need accommodation. A caregiver can come alone (e.g., as a partner) or it can be multiple people (e.g., a mother with 2 children).
Is there a maximum stay period?
When you submit a request as a caregiver, you can indicate your own stay period. We recommend a maximum stay period of 2 months. After this period, a stay can be extended if desired by both parties.
What agreements do I make with my host family?
The foundation for a pleasant stay is making clear and transparent agreements. We've created a guide for agreements to go through together at the start of a stay. You can adjust the agreements to the needs of both parties: every host family, every guest, and every situation is different. Some caregivers will be away all day to be with their loved one, other guests will be present in the house during the day, e.g., between visiting hours or to rest. Discuss in advance what is possible.
What if I no longer want to continue the stay?
At Stay Close, we strive for every stay to be a pleasant one. That's why we recommend that the host family and caregiver take a moment after a short period of 3 days to evaluate the stay together. Of course, it can always happen that a stay doesn't work out for a certain reason. That's okay. As a host family or caregiver, you can end the stay at any time. We will then work together to find a suitable solution.
Administrative and Legal Questions
What are the costs for the caregiver?
Per night, as a caregiver you pay a cost compensation of €10 to your host family (€15 with meal). Per extra person, you pay €5 extra (or €10 with meal). You arrange together when and how to pay. After the complete stay period, caregivers receive a request from Stay Close for a voluntary contribution to the platform.
Does the host family receive compensation?
As a host family, you voluntarily make a room available. Per night, the guest pays a cost compensation of €10 to the host family (€15 with meal). Per extra person, you pay €5 extra (or €10 with meal). The cost compensation that caregivers pay serves exclusively as reimbursement for actual costs (such as electricity, water, laundry, meals). It is not rent or commercial compensation. You arrange together when and how to pay. Most people create a QR code and pay the cost compensation weekly. Stay Close is not a rental platform. As a host family or caregiver, you are therefore not a tenant or landlord, and there is no employment relationship. Stay Close is not the right place for renting out rooms.
How does insurance work?
As a host family, you are responsible for the safety in your home and on your property during a caregiver's stay. Stay Close itself does not offer insurance for damage or accidents, neither to host families nor to caregivers. We strongly recommend that host families check with their family insurance (civil liability) whether staying guests are covered in case of an accident (e.g., a fall in the garden or fire). In most cases this is covered, as there is no commercial rental involved (see compensation). Caregivers are also responsible for their own behavior and liable for damage they accidentally cause. In case of damage or incidents, we recommend first discussing together and contacting the respective insurer(s) if necessary.
What about fire safety?
Stay Close expects every host family's home to be in a safe and orderly condition, in accordance with normal living standards. Do you have questions about this? We'd be happy to review this together.
How does Stay Close handle privacy?
Stay Close attaches great importance to the protection of your personal data and acts in accordance with European GDPR legislation. We only collect data that is strictly necessary for the platform to function, such as your name, contact details, location (for matching), and your preferences as a caregiver or host family. This information is never sold or shared with third parties without your consent. Your exact address as a host family is only shared with a caregiver when you explicitly accept a stay. Caregivers indicate during registration which care institution they are visiting and must also provide a contact person within the care institution. This data is only used internally by Stay Close, among other things to verify the authenticity of requests. You have the right at any time to view, modify or delete your data. You can contact us at info@stayclose.be for this. We do not retain data longer than necessary and use it exclusively within the context of this platform. Stay Close also takes appropriate technical and organizational measures to protect your data, such as encryption, access restrictions, and secure servers.
Still have questions?
Couldn't find the answer to your question? Feel free to contact us.
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