JAIN Knowledge Base for Independent Living at Home

JAIN Knowledge Base for Independent Living at Home is a powerful and ethically responsible tool for everyone involved in supporting older adults to live independently at home for longer.

The JAIN Knowledge Base for Independent Living at Home is an innovative platform that supports older adults, their families, informal caregivers, and healthcare professionals to live comfortably and independently in their own homes for as long as possible. The knowledge base integrates Artificial Intelligence (AI) and adheres to the ethical principles of Just, Accountable, Inclusive, and Non-discriminatory (JAIN) AI. This guarantees a reliable, accessible, and fair approach.

 

1            Key Topics and AI Applications

1.1           Living and Living Environment

The knowledge base offers in-depth information on age-friendly homes, including adaptations and smart home automation. For example, an AI-powered Home Scan can identify risks within the home and provide personalized adaptation suggestions, including estimated costs and a list of local certified contractors in Neighborhoods of cities. For a suitable living environment, AI can perform a ‘Neighborhood Scan’ that analyzes the proximity of amenities, public transport, and safety. In addition, an AI matchmaker helps find suitable living concepts such as residential communities or senior complexes, based on personal preferences.

1.2           Care and Support

Information on home care (personal care, nursing, household help) and the application process via the municipality or general practitioner is provided. An intelligent advisory robot can guide users step-by-step through the process, and a care matchmaker can recommend suitable care organizations. The knowledge base emphasizes the importance of informal care and caregiver support, with AI applications such as an Informal Care App with AI that supports and connects caregivers, including locally in Neighborhoods of cities. An Aid Selector AI advises on the most suitable aids and e-health applications, while a Medical Overview AI can optimize the coordination of medical care.

1.3           Well-being and Participation

To combat social isolation and loneliness, the AI-powered Social Activities Matcher offers relevant local activities in municipalities, districts, and neighborhoods. A loneliness indicator can proactively flag issues, with consent. For daytime activities and exercise and a healthy lifestyle, an AI Health Coach provides personalized advice and activity planners.

1.4           Finance and Laws and Regulations

The knowledge base provides clear explanations of the Social Support Act (Wmo) and the Long-term Care Act (Wlz), with AI tools such as an Interactive Wmo Guide and a Wlz Checklist AI to simplify the application process. A Subsidy Checker AI can help older adults find financial assistance and subsidies based on their specific situation.

1.5           Prevention and Early Detection

The JAIN Knowledge Base encourages early planning for the future with a Lifespan Scenario Planner AI. For prevention and early detection of vulnerability, a Vulnerability Predictor (based on aggregated data) can identify risk groups, and a Personalized Prevention Advisor can refer to local programs in Neighborhoods of cities.

The JAIN Knowledge Base for Independent Living at Home with AI aggregates and enriches information from the Dutch government, municipalities, knowledge organizations, industry associations, and health insurers, making it dynamically and user-friendly accessible. This powerful and ethical tool is designed to support older adults in their desire to live independently and fully in their own homes for as long as possible.

 

 

 

Table of Contents

1        Introduction document, Key Topics and AI Applications

1.1         Living and Living Environment

1.2         Care and Support

1.3         Well-being and Participation

1.4         Finance and Laws and Regulations

1.5         Prevention and Early Detection

2        Living and Living Environment

2.1         Age-friendly Homes.

2.2         Suitable Living Environment

2.3         Living Concepts.

2.4         Care and Support

3        Home Care.

3.1         Informal Care and Caregiver Support

3.2         Aids and Technology

3.3         Medical Care

4        Well-being and Participation

4.1         Social Contacts and Loneliness.

4.2         Daytime Activities

4.3         Exercise and Healthy Lifestyle

5        Finance and Laws and Regulations

5.1         Social Support Act (WMO)

6        Prevention and Early Detection

6.1         The Importance of Early Future Planning

 

 

 

2            Living and Living Environment

Adapting the home and the immediate living environment is crucial for independent living for longer. AI can play a smart and proactive role in this.

2.1           Age-friendly Homes


Deepening:
This goes beyond just minor adjustments. It encompasses a wide range of modifications that make the home suitable for all life stages, with an extra focus on safety and comfort in old age.

Concrete examples of AI applications:

  • Adaptations: Lowering thresholds, widening doorways, installing grab bars in bathrooms and toilets, a walk-in shower without a step, height-adjustable kitchen cabinets and countertops, stairlifts, and raised toilets and furniture.
  • Home Automation (Smart Technologies):
    • AI-powered Home Scan: An AI tool can analyze the home for bottlenecks based on a digital floor plan, photos, or a detailed questionnaire (filled out by the resident or a professional). This includes fall risks (loose rugs, poor lighting), inaccessibility (too narrow doorways, high thresholds), and safety risks (no smoke detectors, unsafe outlets). The AI then generates a personalized advice report with concrete adaptation suggestions, including an estimated cost and a list of local certified contractors in Neighborhoods of cities and the surrounding area.
    • Sensors and Monitoring: Motion sensors, smart lighting that turns on automatically, and ‘invisible’ sensors that detect abnormal behavior (e.g., not getting out of bed at night, or prolonged inactivity). This data is analyzed by AI, with explicit consent, to identify potentially dangerous situations and alert informal caregivers or professional helpers. JAIN principle: Accountable through human oversight and Inclusive through simple interfaces.
    • Smart Access Systems: Door locks that can be operated remotely or with biometric identification, making access easier for care providers without key management.

2.2           Suitable Living Environment


Deepening:
In addition to the home itself, the immediate surroundings are of great importance. This includes the physical accessibility of amenities and social cohesion in the neighborhood.

Concrete examples of AI applications:

  • Access to Amenities: Supermarkets, health centers (e.g., Medical Center Neighborhoods of cities), pharmacies, public transport (bus lines in Neighborhoods of cities), parks, and recreational facilities must be easily accessible, preferably on foot or by bicycle.
  • Social Contacts: Opportunities for meetings in the neighborhood, such as community centers (e.g., in neighborhoods like Lingewijk or Stalkaarsen), parks, or neighborhood initiatives.
  • Neighborhood Safety: Good street lighting, clear public spaces, low crime rates.
  • AI Application (Location Intelligence): An AI-driven platform can perform a ‘Neighborhood Scan’ based on the user’s postcode (e.g., 4207 AB Neighborhoods of cities). This scan analyzes the proximity of essential amenities, the availability of public transport, demographic data of the neighborhood (e.g., number of seniors), and public safety statistics. The AI can even calculate the ‘walkability score’ of the neighborhood and advise on suitable residential locations if moving is an option. JAIN principle: Just by objectively assessing all neighborhoods and Non-discriminatory by focusing on factual data.

2.3           Living Concepts

Deepening:
There are increasing alternatives to traditional independent living or moving to a nursing home. These concepts offer a mix of privacy and community.

Concrete examples and AI applications:

  • Residential Communities: Groups of older adults living together in a common house or complex, often with private apartments and shared spaces.
  • Hofjes (Courtyard Housing): Traditional Dutch residential forms, often around a communal garden.
  • Service Flats/Senior Complexes: Apartments with shared facilities and often the option to purchase care services.
  • Clustered Living/Knarrenhofjes (Elderly Courtyard Housing): Newer concepts often focused on community, social cohesion, and the possibility of organizing care.
  • AI Application (Matchmaker): An AI-driven platform can match older adults with suitable living concepts. Based on their entered preferences (degree of privacy, need for social contact, desired level of care proximity, budget, location preference – e.g., ‘within a 10 km radius of Neighborhoods of cities’), the AI can present relevant living concepts. The platform can even make potential matches for forming new residential groups. JAIN principle: Inclusive by offering a wide range of choices and Transparent in the matchmaking criteria.

2.4           Care and Support

The availability of adequate care and support is essential. AI can help navigate the complex care landscape and proactively offer solutions.

3            Home Care

Deepening:
Home care encompasses various forms of professional assistance delivered at home, aimed at maintaining independence and quality of life.

Concrete examples of AI applications:

  • Forms of Home Care:
    • Personal Care: Assistance with washing, dressing, using the toilet.
    • Nursing: Wound care, medication administration, injections, complex care tasks.
    • Household Help: Cleaning, grocery shopping, meal preparation.
    • Guidance: Support with daily structure, social activities, administration.
  • Application Process: Via the municipality (WMO-loket Neighborhoods of cities) for household help or guidance, or via the general practitioner or district nurse for personal care and nursing.
  • AI Application (Navigation & Optimization):
    • Intelligent Advisory Robot: An AI-chatbot can guide older adults step-by-step through the home care application process, explain the different forms, and list the necessary documents. It can even assist in formulating the application.
    • Care Matchmaker: An AI that, based on care needs (entered by the older adult or anonymized by the district nurse), preferences (e.g., preferred times, male/female caregiver, cultural background), and location (Neighborhoods of cities), suggests the most suitable home care organizations and staff. JAIN principle: Just by finding optimal matches, and Inclusive by considering personal preferences.

3.1           Informal Care and Caregiver Support

Deepening:
The support of family, friends, and neighbours is often the backbone of independent living at home for longer. Informal caregivers deserve adequate support.

Concrete examples of AI applications:

  • Importance of social network: Family members, friends, and neighbours who help with groceries, transport, companionship, or small chores.
  • Support for Informal Caregivers:
    • Respite Care: Temporary takeover of care tasks so that the informal caregiver can rest.
    • Informal Care Advisors (Mantelzorgmakelaars): Professionals who advise and support informal caregivers with administrative matters, laws and regulations, and finding suitable facilities (also in Neighborhoods of cities and surroundings).
    • Practical Training: Workshops on lifting, dealing with dementia, etc.
  • AI Application (Community Builder & Supporter):
    • Informal Care App with AI: An app that connects informal caregivers with each other (regionally, e.g., in Neighborhoods of cities), provides information about local respite care options, and can help plan and organize care tasks. The AI can also recognize patterns in care burden and proactively advise on possible overload and available support.
    • Neighborhood Network Stimulator: A platform that connects (anonymized and with opt-in) older adults and neighbors in Neighborhoods of cities for small requests for help and social activities. JAIN principle: Inclusive by facilitating community building and Accountable by safeguarding privacy.

 

3.2           Aids and Technology

 

Deepening: Technological developments offer increasing possibilities to enhance self-reliance and safety.

Concrete examples of AI applications:

  • Aids: Walking aids (rollators, crutches), adapted sanitary facilities (shower chairs, toilet risers), alarm systems (personal alarm), medication dispensers, lift chairs.
  • E-health Applications:
    • Video calling with care providers: Remote consultations.
    • Medication reminder apps: Reminders for intake and stock management.
    • Health sensors: Wearables that monitor heart rate, blood pressure, sleep patterns.
  • AI Application (Personalized Selection & Monitoring):
    • Aid Selection Guide AI: An AI that, based on the specific needs, physical condition, and home environment of the older adult, recommends the most suitable aid, including information on reimbursements (via health insurance or Wmo Neighborhoods of cities) and local suppliers.
    • Intelligent Alarm System: In addition to a button press, AI can use pattern recognition (e.g., via environmental sensors) to detect a fall or signal prolonged inactivity, and automatically contact pre-set contacts or an emergency center. JAIN principle: Transparent about how data is used and Accountable with reliable detection.

3.3           Medical Care

Deepening:
The general practitioner and district nurse play a central role in coordinating medical care at home, often in collaboration with other specialists.

Concrete examples of AI applications:

  • General Practitioner: First point of contact for medical complaints, referrals, medication management.
  • District Nurse: Coordinates home care, performs nursing tasks, and has a signaling function for changes in health status.
  • Other Specialists: Physiotherapists (e.g., Physiotherapy Neighborhoods of cities), occupational therapists (for home adaptations), dietitians, psychologists, geriatricians.
  • AI Application (Coordination & Prevention):
    • Medical Overview AI: With the consent of the older adult and care providers, an AI system can provide an aggregated overview of medication use, appointments with specialists, and recent diagnoses, to optimize coordination between different care providers and prevent duplicate appointments.
    • Signaling Function for Professionals: AI can, based on anonymized patient data (in accordance with GDPR), recognize patterns indicating an increased risk of hospital admissions or deterioration of health, and proactively warn district nurses or general practitioners about individuals who may need extra attention. JAIN principle: Accountable through human validation and Just by monitoring all patients.

4            Well-being and Participation

A vital life goes beyond just good care and an adapted home; social connection and meaningful activities are essential.

4.1           Social Contacts and Loneliness

Deepening:
Loneliness is a growing problem among older adults. The knowledge base must offer concrete solutions for this.

Concrete examples of AI applications:

  • Strategies: Encouraging participation in neighborhood activities, volunteering, membership in associations (e.g., senior citizen organizations such as ANBO or KBO-PCOB in Neighborhoods of cities), courses (e.g., at Stichting Welzijn Neighborhoods of cities), and contact with family and friends.
  • Initiatives: Neighborhood initiatives such as ‘neighborly help’, ‘dining groups’, or walking groups.
  • AI Application (Connectivity & Detection):
    • Social Activities Matcher: An AI that, based on the interests and location of the older adult (Neighborhoods of cities), suggests relevant local activities, clubs, or volunteer opportunities. This can also provide suggestions for establishing new contacts with like-minded individuals.
    • Loneliness Indicator (with consent): AI can (if the older adult shares this and with explicit consent) apply pattern recognition to interaction data (e.g., frequency of going out, participation in online groups, video calls with family) to signal loneliness, and then proactively suggest social connections or professional support. JAIN principle: Inclusive by facilitating connections and Accountable by focusing on well-being and privacy.

4.2           Daytime Activities

Deepening:
Meaningful daily activities contribute to well-being, structure, and prevent isolation.

Concrete examples of AI applications:

  • Opportunities: Volunteering, hobbies, courses, day care for people with mild cognitive problems (often through the Wmo), creative pursuits, contact with (grand)children.
  • Activation: Stimulating both mental and physical activity.
  • AI Application (Personalized Suggestions):
    • Activities Planner: An AI that, based on the physical and mental condition, interests, and location of the older adult (Neighborhoods of cities), suggests suitable daytime activities. This can range from local sports groups to pottery classes or digital skills courses.

4.3           Exercise and Healthy Lifestyle

Deepening:
Sufficient exercise and healthy nutrition are crucial for maintaining vitality, balance, and preventing illnesses.

Concrete examples of AI applications:

  • Advice: Guidelines for exercise (e.g., 30 minutes of moderate intensity per day), nutrition tips for seniors (sufficient protein, vitamin D), the importance of adequate sleep and hydration.
  • Fitness and Vitality: Senior sports groups, walking, cycling, yoga.
  • AI Application (Coaching & Monitoring):
    • AI Health Coach: An AI that, with the explicit consent of the older adult, analyzes data from wearables (steps, heart rate, sleep) and provides personalized advice on exercise and lifestyle. This can range from reminders to drink water to suggestions for safe exercises.
    • Meal Planner: An AI tool that, based on dietary preferences, budget, and available ingredients, creates healthy and varied meal plans, taking into account the nutritional needs of older adults. JAIN principle: Transparent about data usage and Inclusive by adapting to individual preferences.

5            Finance and Laws and Regulations

Insight into financial possibilities and complex laws and regulations is of great importance to make optimal use of available facilities.

5.1           Social Support Act (WMO)

Deepening:
The WMO is the primary Dutch law for home support, implemented by the municipality.

Concrete examples of AI applications:

  • Support: Household help, home adaptations (e.g., via WMO-loket Neighborhoods of cities), transport facilities (e.g., Regiotaxi), day care, individual guidance, aids (sometimes via WMO, sometimes via health insurance).
  • Application Process: Notification to the municipality, followed by a ‘kitchen table conversation’ with a WMO consultant to determine the support needs.
  • AI Application (WMO Navigator):
    • Interactive WMO Guide: An AI-chatbot that guides older adults and their informal caregivers through the WMO application process, lists the necessary documents, answers frequently asked questions, and can even assist in formulating the application based on the specific situation (e.g., “I live in Neighborhoods of cities and have difficulty showering. What help can I get?”). The AI can also point out possible personal contributions. JAIN principle: Just by providing equal access to information and Accountable by providing correct information.

4.2 Long-term Care Act (WLZ)

Deepening:
The Dutch WLZ is for people who permanently require intensive care or supervision, often in an institution, but sometimes also at home via a Full Home Package (VPT) or Modular Home Package (MPT).

Concrete examples and AI applications:

  • Target Group: People with severe care needs due to, for example, dementia, a serious physical disability, or a chronic illness.
  • Application: Via the Centre for Indicating Care (CIZ).
  • AI Application (WlZ Navigator):
    • WlZ Checklist AI: An AI tool that, based on a questionnaire about care needs, can assess whether someone is eligible for the Wlz and explains the steps for applying. This helps prevent misunderstandings and speeds up the process.

6            Prevention and Early Detection

Prevention is better than cure. A proactive approach can prevent many problems and significantly improve the quality of life in old age.

6.1           The Importance of Early Future Planning

Deepening:
Too many older adults wait to think about their living situation and care needs until a crisis occurs.

Concrete examples of AI applications:

  • Considerations: Suitable living arrangements in the long term, the possibility of home adaptations, discussing care wishes with family, arranging powers of attorney or living wills.
  • AI Application (Future Planner):
    • Lifespan Scenario Planner AI: An interactive AI tool that helps older adults visualize different future scenarios (e.g., ‘I’ll live at home until 90’, ‘I’ll move to a senior apartment’) and their associated implications (finances, care needs, social contacts). The AI can proactively ask questions and suggest actions that can be taken now. JAIN principle: Inclusive through empowerment and Accountable by presenting realistic scenarios.

5.2 Initiatives to Identify Vulnerable Older Adults and Provide Preventive Support

Deepening:
Early detection of vulnerability (physical, mental, social) can prevent problems from escalating.

Concrete examples of AI applications:

  • Initiatives: Home visits by welfare organizations or district nurses (e.g., in Neighborhoods of cities), preventive screenings for fall risks or loneliness, social neighborhood teams that pick up on signals.
  • Preventive Support: Targeted exercise programs, fall prevention training, memory training, courses on using digital tools.
  • AI Application (Proactive Signaling & Intervention):
    • Vulnerability Predictor (aggregated data): On an anonymized and aggregated basis, AI (e.g., at municipal level in Neighborhoods of cities) can analyze patterns in data (e.g., demographic shifts, increase in loneliness reports, use of Wmo facilities) to identify vulnerable groups or neighborhoods where preventive interventions would be most effective.

Personalized Prevention Advisor: An AI that, with the explicit consent of the older adult and based on a short questionnaire about health and lifestyle, provides personalized advice on preventive measures and refers to local prevention programs in Neighborhoods of cities (e.g., exercise groups for seniors). JAIN principle: Accountable through ethical data use and Just by making prevention accessible to everyone.

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