Technology with a Human Heart: Two JAIN Workshops at the Dutch National Dementia Congress 2025
On October 27, 2025, the Dutch Ministry of Health, in collaboration with various partners, will organize the Dutch National Dementia Congress (NDC 2025) – an afternoon full of inspiration, innovation, and in-depth discussion about the future of dementia care in the Netherlands. A special part of the program will be two interactive workshops by the JAIN Foundation, each demonstrating how Artificial Intelligence-based technology can truly support people with dementia, their loved ones, and care professionals.
The Mission of the JAIN Foundation
For years, the JAIN Foundation has focused on improving the quality of life for people with dementia through technology that genuinely works – technology that connects rather than alienates. For NDC 2025, JAIN has been asked by the ministry to provide two in-depth workshops that invite participants to reflect, share experiences, and formulate sharp insights.
With a carefully assembled team of experts from science, practice, and lived experience, these sessions offer space for open dialogue about the meaning of AI in care. Each workshop is structured with short introductions, after which participants are invited to share their vision through propositions and interactive working methods.
Workshop 1: Support in Daily Life (Home Phase)
Time: 14:15 – 15:00
This session focuses on the daily living environment of people with dementia: at home. How can AI make a difference specifically in this phase? How do we ensure that technology aligns with the person, and not the other way around? And how are humanity, trust, and self-direction maintained?
The workshop will be opened by Gerda van Tongerloo, an experienced expert with vascular dementia, who, together with Hans Arnold, CEO of the JAIN Foundation, will provide insight into how technology enriches her life not as a replacement, but as support.
Facilitating experts and their areas of focus:
Rudolf Wolterbeek, MSc “Support possibilities of AI in residential care systems, with the informal caregiver at the helm.”
Prof. Dr. Catholijn Jonker (TU Delft) “Human-friendly, explainable AI: How do ethics and trust relate to the deployment of technology?”
Dr. Thomas Engelsma “AI with impact: How do we create designs where the user is truly central?”
Goal of the workshop:
Based on practical experiences and scientific insights, participants will engage in discussion and provide quotes, visions, and examples related to these central themes. The output will serve as input for further research and policy development.
Workshop 2: Support for Informal Caregivers and Professionals
Time: 15:30 – 16:15
Technology can relieve professionals and informal caregivers, but how do we prevent it from infringing on the sense of autonomy and proximity? This session focuses on the changing role of the professional. Can AI help with predictive care planning? And where is the line between helpful and intrusive?
The workshop will be opened by Dr. Franka Meiland (Amsterdam UMC), who will highlight the changing role of the case manager in the rise of predictive technology. Together with Hans Arnold, she will lead the dialogue, supported by contributions from three prominent experts.
Facilitating experts and their areas of focus:
Dr. Franka Meiland “How can technologies truly relieve case managers and informal caregivers?”
Dr. Linda Peute “Help or interference? Where is the line for informal caregivers and professionals?”
Dr. Rik Wesselink “How can technology contribute to self-direction and dignity for people with dementia and their loved ones?”
Goal of the workshop:
This session invites participants to provide their perspective on the value and limits of AI in support, from their own role – as an informal caregiver, professional, or policymaker. Inspiring quotes will also be collected here to guide the ethical and practical debate.
Practical Information Location: Congrescentrum Nieuwegein Date: October 27, 2025
Program Overview:
12:00 – 13:00: Welcome with lunch
13:00 – 14:00: Plenary Session I (Chair: Suzanne Spliethoff)
14:15 – 15:00: Breakout Sessions Round I (including Workshop 1 JAIN)
15:00 – 15:30: Break
15:30 – 16:15: Breakout Sessions Round II (including Workshop 2 JAIN)
16:30 – 17:00: Plenary Session II
17:00 – 18:00: Drinks & Networking
Finally: Why These Workshops Matter
In an era where technology is becoming an increasingly prominent part of the care landscape, questions about humanity, autonomy, and trust are more urgent than ever. These JAIN workshops provide space for an honest, open, and, most importantly, collaborative exploration of what technology can – and should – mean for people with dementia.
The workshops are geared towards action, not abstraction. Participants will provide insights and experiences that directly contribute to research, policy development, and the practical application of technology in care.
If you wish to contribute, participate, or co-develop? You are most welcome.