Co/Lab: caring neighbourhoods

En nu wij samen (Now, together)

The future of elderly care is one of collaboration. Between professionals and the network, between neighborhood organizations, social workers, nurses, the neighbor around the corner, and volunteers.

In the design process 'En nu wij samen' (Now, together), design agency morgenmakers, the trade association of healthcare organizations ActiZ, and healthcare organizations Archipel, Coloriet, and CuraMare collaborated. We started with the question: What if there are more and more caring communities? What does that mean for the role of professionals in elderly care?

What can professionals do differently, or what can they perhaps let go of? What does it require of them to transfer care responsibilities and collaborate with others? Where are the opportunities, and how do you find the space to seize them? Two innovative solutions emerged from the design process.

'Ruimte pakken' (Seizing space)

'Ruimte pakken' (Seizing space) is a game used by teams in elderly care. With practical instructions, it helps professionals identify, share, and experiment with possibilities: to collaborate more effectively with residents and families, and to reduce workload. In this way, professionals collectively seize the space to transform care.

'Doe het samen' (Do it together)

The neighborhood is bustling with organizations focused on (elderly) care, welfare, housing, and improving overall quality of life. Collaboration is increasing. That's great! But... do these organizations truly understand each other? Do they understand each other's interests? And are their expectations aligned?

'Doe het samen' (Do it together) helps coordinate important matters in these situations. The foundation of Doe het samen is a web of six themes. This allows you to quickly discover whether you're on the same page and where additional attention is needed. The web is flexible and can be used from management to work floor, and for ongoing projects and new initiatives.