The Netherlands is going to need twice as many nursing home beds as it currently has by 2040, according to a new report by the TNO research institute.

The institute expects some 261,000 beds will be required in 20 years time, almost double the current total, and that a further 41,000 places will also require updating by then.

The number of people over the age of 80 soaring and experts have already warned the government is not doing enough to make sure those who need residential care can be looked after.

Personnel shortages are also likely to be a growing problem, TNO said.

The paper said that Dutch and foreign property developers are investing in housing focused on seniors but not in the form of residential care homes. This, the Financieele Dagblad said, is because companies operating in the 24-hour care market are not allowed to make a profit.

The government is also planning to introduce limits on profit-taking in the home nursing sector, the paper said.