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Alzheimer's Association International Conference 2026

July 12-15, 2026 | London, United Kingdom, and Online

4891

Sensors And Robotics In Elderly Care: Professional Perspectives From Small-Town, Suburban And Rural Areas In The Netherlands

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Poster Presenter

Maren Salzwedel

Authors

Maren Salzwedel, Corinna Glasner, Helianthe Kort, Sarah Janus

Affiliations

University Medical Center Groningen, Department of Primary and Long-term Care, the Netherlands, University Medical Center Groningen, Faculty of Medical Sciences, the Netherlands, Eindhoven University of Technology, Department of the Built Environment, Chair Building Lighting, the Netherlands

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Sensors and Robotics In Elderly Care: Perspectives From Small‑Town, Suburban And Rural Areas

Maren H. Salzwedel1, Corinna Glasner3, Helianthe Kort2, Sarah Janus1

1 University Medical Center Groningen, Department of Primary and Long-term Care, the Netherlands; 2 Eindhoven University of Technology, Department of the Built Environment, Chair Building Lighting, Eindhoven, the Netherlands; 3 University Medical Center Groningen, Faculty of Medical Sciences, the Netherlands

Structural investment in healthcare matching standards in commercial sectors and refined development of technology is inevitable to be able to meet the support needs in health care.

Introduction:

•As population ageing increases care demands, maintaining quality of life for older adults and caregivers is essential

•Although technology is seen as a key solution, adoption remains challenging

•This study explored the perceived potential of sensors and robotics to identify priority support needs and support implementation

Methods:

Mixed-method study in the Netherlands with formal caregivers (ethical approval: ethical committe of University Medical Center Groningen (UMCG), NL; reference number: METc 2025/044)

Two phases (participants recruited via University Elderly Care Network of UMCG)

1. Survey (n=32):

•Ranking of importance of care domains: (1) Daily care tasks (2) Cognitive support (3) Socio-emotional support (4) Monitoring/safety, (5) Entertainment

•Usefulness of sensors and robotics per care domain

2. Focus group (n=5):

Validation and expansion of survey findings

Analysis:

•Survey data: Descriptive

•Focus group data: Qualitatively

Results:

Survey:

•Importance care domains:

High across all domains

•Perceived usefulness sensors and robotics:

Lower than domain importance,

especially social-emotional support

Focus group discussion points:

•Equal importance of domains explained by their interconnectivity

•Barriers: implementation difficulties and limited resources

•Development of innovative technologies to meet support needs

•Challenges: Client loneliness, safety, caregiver burden, dementia care, communication

•Future technology should support caregivers, preserve human contact, and promote independence

Conclusion:

•Interconnected care needs require holistic (technological) support

•Current technologies do not fully match everyday care needs, highlighting the need for both better technology and broader healthcare support

Sensors And Robotics In Elderly Care: Professional Perspectives From Small-Town, Suburban And Rural Areas In The Netherlands

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