Netherlands: innovations in occupational therapy and gerontechnologies. 🇳🇱

As part of its commitment to exploring the latest advances in the field of health and well-being for the elderly, Dialog Health, in partnership with the Hong Kong Hospital Authority, organized a study mission to the Netherlands. This mission offered a unique opportunity to observe gerontechnologies and occupational therapy innovations at first hand in a country renowned for its advances in these fields.
The mission began with a visit to the iZi house in The Hague. This innovative space houses more than 90 technological devices designed to make daily life easier for the elderly or disabled. Among the technologies on show were solutions such as an intelligent doorbell, assistive robots and retractable work surfaces.
On Thursday 19 September, participants visited the Argos Zorggroep Marnix centre in Rotterdam, which specializes in rehabilitation for the elderly. The centre offers rehabilitation care after illness or surgery, as well as outpatient treatment services such as physiotherapy and occupational therapy. The participants were able to discuss with the professionals the importance of a multidisciplinary approach, combining technology and human care, for the successful rehabilitation of elderly patients.
In the afternoon, the group visited Argos Zorggroep Breede Vliet, a facility for 180 residents suffering from dementia. This facility has two specialisations: care for people with dementia and severe behavioural problems, and care for people with early-onset dementia. The small living units provide a warm, homely environment, which is essential for the well-being of residents. This person-centred model of care is particularly relevant to occupational therapy, where personalised care and environments are key to maximising patients' independence and comfort.
Vilans, the national centre of expertise for long-term care, welcomed the delegation for a session packed with information on innovations and best practice in the field of care for the elderly. Vilans is renowned for implementing large-scale national programmes, such as the national dementia programme, and for its expertise in disseminating digital solutions adapted to care. This exchange provided an insight into how a large-scale organisation can positively influence home care, and how international collaboration can accelerate the adoption of these innovations.
WelThuis Vivaldi, a retirement home on a human scale, presented a living environment where residents, mainly elderly people with dementia or physical disabilities, are placed at the centre of all attention. The care model is based on respect for the dignity and well-being of residents. This humanistic approach, combined with the latest innovations in palliative care and gerontechnology, highlights the need for personalised solutions for each individual.
On 23 September, the delegation visited the headquarters of Ergotherapie Nederland, the professional association for occupational therapists in the Netherlands. This organisation plays a crucial role in promoting and developing occupational therapy through continuing education, scientific research and collaboration with other healthcare professionals. The discussion focused on how occupational therapy is evolving to meet the challenges of an ageing population, while integrating technological advances to improve care outcomes.
In the afternoon, participants visited Vivent, an expert in home care in the ‘s-Hertogenbosch region. This organisation employs almost 1,300 professionals and 600 volunteers, and offers specialist care in its residential centres as well as at home.
The study visit to the Netherlands ended with a visit to Warande, a care and accommodation provider for senior citizens in the Bilthoven, Houtenet and Zeist regions. Warande offers a full range of services, from rehabilitation to intensive care, with personalised care tailored to the needs of each resident.
This study mission to the Netherlands, organized by Dialog Health in collaboration with the Hong Kong Hospital Authority, enabled healthcare professionals to observe best practice in gerontechnology and occupational therapy. It paved the way for new thinking on the integration of these innovations into healthcare systems, with the aim of improving the quality of life of the elderly. Participants highlighted the richness of the discussions and the relevance of the solutions presented, inspiring future developments in their own professional practices.
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