The answer to this question should be key in providing care and services to the elderly, according to the Cooperative Association OnsNet Son en Breugel and Thuiszorg Brabant. The services they provide, are fully geared to the needs of individuals. These 'remote services' allow people to continue living at home independently for a prolonged period of time.
Citizens’ initiative
The project is a citizens’ initiative of OnsNet Son en Breugel which operates as a cooperative. From a caring point of view the participating citizens focus on people in their community for whom it may prove beneficial to participate. These potential customers are then visited by OnsNet volunteers. These volunteers are trained to examine whether the range of OnsNet services fits the needs of the individual client.
Customized services
Thuisservice Brabant takes care of the administrative operations and the purchase of products and services from different providers. This organization also provides professional support by a ‘residential home coach’, who visits potential clients following the OnsNet volunteer’s visit. This coach goes through a list of questions based on the principle of continuity of life. Key question: What is important to you in daily life? Answers show that most people want to continue living at home independently, but that the way in which this interpreted, strongly varies for everyone. Therefore, a wide range of products and services tailored to the needs of individual users is offered.
Care, safety, entertainment and companionship
Where one person is already satisfied when the lights turn on automatically, the other wants a comprehensive alarm system. One person is looking for an ‘odd job’ service and another only needs someone to clean the windows. The OnsNet service concept refers to all aspects of independent living. As such, in addition to care it also relates to security, entertainment and companionship. As a result members play a game of checkers online and consequently they often also have personal contacts.
Modern community
Using modern technology in this way creates a community that cares. Until the end of 2011, 200 people in Son en Breugel, Best, Sint-Oedenrode and Schijndel will be connected. Clients can choose whether they want a videophone service station with a touch screen or whether they prefer to use their own computer.
In dit project participeren behalve de Coöperatieve Vereniging OnsNet Son en Breugel en Thuisservice Brabant ook PAL4 B.V., Thuiszorg VDA B.V. en Stichting Smart Homes.
Apart from the Cooperative Association OnsNet Son en Breugel, the home care organizations Thuisservice Brabant and Thuiszorg VDA B.V. also participate in this project, together with PAL4 B.V. and the Smart Homes Foundation.