On April 15, Stjärnhuset opened in Karlstad. The security home will be a model and test bed for how digital technology and new ways of working can help residents lead a more independent life.
28 residents with somatic problems and will move into the sheltered accommodation in Herrhagen. In addition to the support to cope with everyday life that is part of a regular shelter, there is the ambition to develop something completely new. The focus is on the residents' opportunities to live an independent life as far as possible. Stjärnhuset will be a model home where new technology, modern aids and digital services will contribute to it.
This involves, for example, that furniture and physical aids must be adapted so that the residents can, as far as possible, be able to move themselves. It is equally important to achieve an understandable and manageable everyday life, where the residents should be able to make their own choices and manage their social contacts independently.
Wants to develop new communication solutions
A partial goal of the project is to develop a digital solution that makes it easy to orient oneself in everyday life, with information about the weather, what food is served and information about activities that take place in the house, or the surrounding area. Such a solution could also handle personal information about important events and be a tool for communication with both relatives and staff. The technology can also contribute to better information about what happens in everyday life to increase the security of relatives.
Right from the start, a number of products and services are available in Stjärnhuset. Among other things, security cameras, various types of sensor-controlled alarms, automatic showers and recreational aids, such as virtual bike rides. An important part of Stjärnhuset is an open approach to the development and testing of new products and services, where the technology must create a seamless experience for users.
- From the ground up, Stjärnhuset offers a basic range where the technical standard is higher than in a regular shelter, for example everyone who has a need and can handle it must have access to digital medicine dispensers. Developing services linked to communication will be an important first step, where we can then build on with more digital services that strengthen the individual's independence, says Marie Granander, Process Manager at DigitalWell Arena.
Study on digital welfare technology and independence
The project is for one year and is run by Karlstad municipality together with DigitalWell Arena. The Department of Nursing at Karlstad University participates in research into metrics that can show how digital welfare technology can contribute to increased independence. There have previously been plenty of studies on the health of the elderly, but there is a lack of studies on perceived independence.
