A talking flowerpot that reminds you of appointments, a robot cat that spins when you stroke him against loneliness and a box that gives medication on time. These are a few of the seventy technical gadgets in the T-Huiz. In this demonstration house, the elderly can test modern technology that helps them to continue to live independently.
The T-Huiz is in the middle of the Kruiskamp district and looks very common on the outside. Those who step over the threshold will end up in a technical world. In the living room, kitchen and bedroom there are more than seventy care gadgets that are aimed at more self -reliance for the elderly.
According to Jeroen Hankel, involved in T-Huiz on behalf of Brabant Zorg, technology is becoming increasingly important. “The care is under pressure. People live at home for longer and help sometimes take a long time. These tools can then make the difference,” he says.
Think of a robot vacuum cleaner that cleans the house or a dispenser that indicates which medication you should take. There is also a helping hand to get up more easily from the bank or special cutlery and signs for those who have less strength or one arm uses. “The elderly do not want to be dependent on informal caregivers or professionals. They want to do as much as possible themselves, and that makes it possible for longer.”
During the ‘Slim Samenlijven’ on 9 and 10 May, Bosschenaren can visit T-Huiz to experience how these solutions work. Wim (74) From Rosmalen, the wooden blocks immediately stands out on the steps, which reduce the distance and facilitate the stairs. “I just had surgery on my knee. This had made it easier without stretching the knee too heavy,” says Wim.
“I didn’t know it existed. And I think I’m not the only one.” One of the striking gadgets is the talking flowerpot Tessa. She is linked to a tablet with agenda and starts talking when something is planned, such as: “The neighbor will come by in half an hour, make sure you’re done.” Hankel: “Such memories help the elderly to maintain control of their day.”
Although the visitors are enthusiastic about the gadgets, they think it is a challenge to bring them to the attention of the right target group. This is apparent when Marcel (67), a Bosschenaar from the neighborhood, comes to take a look. “I knew that there was something here with care, but I didn’t know what you can see inside.”
After a short explanation, he is enthusiastic. “I think many people from the flat I live can use this,” says Marcel. He believes that such an example house should come in many more neighborhoods. “Then the elderly can walk in spontaneously and see what they need at that time.”
Visitor Henny (80), who still lives independently, needs no tools for the time being, but wants to be aware of the possibilities for the future. “Technology in particular is difficult at our age,” he says. “If I finally understand, it has changed again. That’s why I want to know what’s there.”
Hankel also sees that elderly people often have difficulty with technology. “But when they see how valuable something can be, they are willing to learn how it works.”
