The increasing number of old people and the decreasing working population leads to an imbalance in healthcare in Western Europe. Demand exceeds supply which means that the present level of care cannot be guaranteed. The number of helping hands at the bed is increasingly becoming deficient. The care sector intends to solve this problem among other things by large-scale introduction of care domotics. With the help of care domotics (also called transmural care technology) people over 55 and people with somatic function limitations can remain longer, safer and more comfortably in their own houses and, if possible, go on holidays. Transmural care offers a care package based on the client’s needs and provided by different professionals from different disciplines and agreed by mutual consultation.

Furthermore, domotics offers chances to improve the quality of care and to control costs increases. Domotics enables elderly, disabled and chronically ill people to return to their homes sooner after a stay in a hospital or nursing home. Nearly half of the 55-plus and disabled people express their wish to live in or go on holiday to an environment specifically developed for them.

Now that the inevitable grey tsunami in Western Europe is approaching fast, architects and urban planners more often en more seriously look at American examples. Since the aged Canadian snowbirds discovered overwintering in the dessert like southwestern US, settlements emerged here, which were specifically built for elderly residential consumers. Sun City in Arizona is the First and finest example of these senior cities and dates from as far back as 1960. The closed enclave which only houses people of over 55, has in the meantime grown into a city with 40.000 inhabitants. Remarkable is that almost everything in Sun City is run by the inhabitants themselves, from the numerous small enterprises and the rich variety of courses to the tasks of the sheriff. This enterprising spirit is typical of the actual 55-plus: they want to be somebody. The time of the passive slobbering old man behind the geraniums is totally obsolete. The new elderly are vital and enterprising, play golf, play with their grandchildren and are proud of their knowledge and experience.

Before you lies the elaboration of the guide supporting plans within care domotics. This guideline has been developed on the basis of research carried out by De Tulip Care & Hospitality Group. If offers authorities and investors a framework for the preservation and improvement of a viable society with a view to the future. The guide represents the best of the methodologies encountered during the research and has been written on the basis of the demands and desires of the people concerned.

Because of the advancement in care and the increasing use of advanced medical technology people are living longer.

Management Board / Directorate

Tulip Care & Hospitality Group

 The Netherlands

April 2013

As people are living longer, the demand on the healthcare sector is increasing. However, the capacity of the care is not adjusted to the increasing demand. In about 15 years the ageing population in Western Europe will reach its summit and before that time far-reaching measures will be required to be able to cope with the threatening capacity shortfall in care.

Right Choices,

Healthy Results...