Caring Neighbourhoods

Together with ActiZ, the trade association for care organisations, morgenmakers is exploring the role of care professionals in a society with evolving elderly care in Co/Lab: Caring Neighbourhoods. We are already seeing new forms of living arrangements, local initiatives where neighbours and care organisations create supportive networks, and closer collaboration between welfare and care organisations. With the growing demand for care and limited growth in care staff, a new approach is essential.

This lab focuses on the future role of care professionals as caring communities, where residents support one another, become increasingly important.

morgenmakers is working with three care organisations—Archipel Zorggroep, Coloriet, and CuraMare—to explore and test new concepts. The research, which began in May 2024, includes workshops, interviews, and creative interventions within the care sector. During Dutch Design Week 2024, initial insights were shared, and visitors discussed their role in caring neighbourhoods.

Two concepts are being further developed:

• Taking Space: In elderly care institutions, much of the work is shaped by habits and (un)written rules. However, these are not always the best practices. With this concept, morgenmakers encourages care teams to step away from established routines. Care workers are invited to discuss and experience alternative ways of working or to let go of certain practices. Exploring these possibilities makes care more flexible and better prepared for an evolving future.
• Building Blocks: Many initiatives and pilot projects see elderly care organisations joining forces with other organisations, often from different sectors, to support communities or individuals. However, these collaborations do not always run smoothly due to differing interests, misunderstandings, or a lack of knowledge. With this concept, morgenmakers provides a flexible set of tools to strengthen cooperation in the workplace.