The Netherlands is ageing and pressure on care and welfare is rising. More people need to live at home for longer, while fewer carers are available. Domotics, smart technology in the home, can help.
What is domotics in care?
It covers sensors and systems in and around the home. The aim is safety, independence and comfort, and less pressure on family carers and professionals.
Lighting
Motion sensors in the hall and toilet so lights come on at night. Smart lamps can follow the day-night rhythm.
Doorbell
A video doorbell on a phone or television, so someone can see who is there without walking to the door.
Plugs
Smart plugs that switch off a forgotten iron or coffee maker after a set time.
Heating
A thermostat that manages temperature, warns if heating stays on, or can be set remotely by family.
Curtains
Curtains that open in the morning for daylight and close in the evening.
Television
Simple or voice-controlled remotes for people with reduced hand function or memory problems.
Further uses
- Falls and wandering. Mats, bed sensors or cameras alert a family carer or care centre after a fall, or if someone leaves the house at night.
- Medication dispensers. Devices release a dose on time, remind the person and alert someone if a dose is missed.
- Care at a distance. Measuring blood pressure, weight or oxygen so help can start earlier without an immediate visit.
Limits
- Privacy and safety. Sensors and cameras raise the question of where monitoring ends and private life begins.
- Cost. Not everything is reimbursed under the Wlz, Zvw or Wmo.
- Separate systems. Devices use different apps and do not always work together.
- Digital skills. Clients and some staff need time to learn the systems.
What we expect
In the coming years domotics will shift from an alarm after an incident to signals before something goes wrong.
- Prediction. Patterns in the fridge, lights and movement can show decline or fall risk earlier.
- One system. Devices will connect more easily, so family carers and teams can manage them.
- Robotics. Light care robots can support daily tasks and reduce loneliness.
From a smart lamp to wandering detection, domotics is a practical part of future-proof care.