Inventory of inclusive living concepts for elderly
As part of the Living-Welfare-Care-Elderly 2040 programme, Utrecht University of Applied Sciences is collecting inspiring examples of residential care concepts for the elderly in the Utrecht region and beyond. Special attention is paid to projects where older people live together - whether or not in combination with other target groups or generations – with a focus on mutual support and community building.
Objective
How do we create inclusive and vital communities, where informal help is available and at the same time there is a good connection with (formal) care providers? What can we learn from existing projects? Who took the initiative, which parties work together and how are tasks allocated? What does the housing initiative mean for self-reliance, community strength, health and well-being? And how do building design and public space contribute to this? What were the expectations and how are they met in practical reality?
The Living-Welfare-Care-Elderly 2040 programme is part of the Utrecht Social Domain Knowledge Platform. The aim is to stimulate innovations in the field of an ageing society. To this end, a provincial task force has been set up. Within HU University of Applied Sciences, there is an Ageing Society Expertise Group, which bundles knowledge in the field of education and research.
Results
An overview of inspiring practical examples that contribute to older people living as independently, pleasantly and autonomously as possible.
Duration
01 January 2024 - 01 July 2025
Approuch
The inventory is carried out by means of extensive desk research and supplemented by site visits and interviews with residents and other key figures, in order to collect stories and experiences.
"New forms of living, in which connections between people are 'built-in,' are essential for our society"
Jean Pierre Wilken, professor HU
Impact
Our findings could help municipalities, housing associations, care organisations and residents in the development and realisation of future residential care projects. In this way we gain insight into what kind of environment is needed to allow ageing people to lead a meaningful life.
HU researchers involved in the research
Co-financing
This research project is made possible in part by a grant from the Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sport.
