Accelerating Action in Housing and Care

A network of changemakers is working together to accelerate innovation in future-proof housing and care solutions for older adults.

Centre of Expertise Governance of Urban Transitions

"We all want the same thing, but when it comes down to it, we often fail to make it happen," says a policy advisor from a healthcare organisation. Like many other professionals, she is frustrated that new initiatives at the intersection of housing and care for older adults are difficult and, above all, slow to realise. In this project, a network of changemakers works together to drive meaningful change and accelerate innovation.

Speaking Different Languages

Many changemakers are active at the intersection of housing and care for older adults. They share the ambition of creating housing that combines privacy with opportunities for social interaction and can adapt to changing care needs over time. However, innovation progresses more slowly than desired. According to the changemakers, housing associations, healthcare organisations, municipalities and organisations for older adults often speak different professional languages, have different perspectives and pursue different interests. This makes collective action difficult.

Practice-Oriented Research

The changemakers aim to overcome these barriers by working together. Their primary goal is to accelerate meaningful change. Through this research project, the changemaker network is strengthened, enabling new knowledge to be shared and applied more quickly. Based on two case studies and a Community of Practice, the project develops a roadmap that supports accelerated action. It also lays the foundation for future collaboration in practice-oriented action research.

Research Question

How can we strengthen the network of changemakers working at the intersection of housing and care for older adults, while making the best use of older adults' knowledge and experiences, in order to accelerate existing initiatives and promote mutual learning?

Objective

To strengthen a network of changemakers that accelerates innovation towards future-proof housing and care solutions for older adults.

Target Group

Housing associations, healthcare organisations, municipalities and organisations for older adults that are involved in issues at the intersection of housing and care.

Method

The research methodology consists of several components.

Case study: A case study of two initiatives focused on housing and care for older adults, based on interviews and document analysis.
Community of Practice: Five in-person meetings with the changemaker network, aimed at reflection, experimentation and peer learning. These sessions result in the development of a roadmap.
Dissemination: Sharing the roadmap through the networks of participating organisations, a webinar organised by ZorgSaamWonen, and a mini documentary produced by students from the Participatory Healthcare minor at The Hague University of Applied Sciences.

Results

After following two innovative housing and care initiatives in The Hague for one year, the project resulted in a final publication presenting the key research findings and practical recommendations from a Community of Practice involving 15 professionals working in housing and care for older adults. The publication focuses on innovative housing concepts for older people.

Impact

The project strengthens collaboration between organisations working on housing and care for older adults and accelerates the exchange of knowledge and practical experience. The roadmap and Community of Practice support future collaboration and contribute to the development of innovative, future-proof housing solutions that better meet the needs of older adults.

Duration

January 2025 – December 2025

Funding

The research is funded by Regieorgaan SIA through the KIEM-MV programme.

Collaboration

The Hague University of Applied Sciences collaborates with the following partners:

Within The Hague University of Applied Sciences, the project is carried out by the Centre of Expertise Governance of Urban Transitions. It brings together three research groups:

Funding

The research is funded by a grant from Regieorgaan SIA through the KIEM-MV programme.

Contact

Marianne van Bochove
[email protected]