01. Introduction
The SENSE-GARDEN project aimed to create rooms that automatically adapt to the memories and lives of older adults with dementia. The goal is to evoke and awaken emotions by providing stimuli to the different senses, such as sight, touch, hearing, and smell, promoting a re-connection with the reality around them. The project uses immersive spaces that include images of mountains, singing birds, forest aromas, and personal memories to help access lost memories in persons with dementia and support their re-connection to reality.
02. Summary of the project aims and objectives
The SENSE-GARDEN project aims to create immersive, multi-sensory environments specifically designed for people living with dementia. By stimulating the senses through sight, sound, touch, and smell, the project seeks to evoke memories, enhance emotional well-being, and improve quality of life. These personalised virtual spaces combine natural sounds, familiar visuals, and scents to help users reconnect with their past and strengthen their sense of reality. Through collaborative efforts, the project intends to establish a therapeutic approach that mitigates the cognitive and emotional challenges associated with dementia.
03.Product development and key features
The core concept involves creating customised indoor virtual gardens that combine sensory experiences, reminiscence therapy, and cognitive stimulation.
Key Features
- Multi-Sensory Stimulation: The SENSE-GARDEN room integrates visual, auditory, tactile, and olfactory stimuli. High-quality audio recordings, natural scents, and visual projections create a realistic and comforting environment.
- Personalisation: Each room is tailored to the user's life story, incorporating familiar images, family photographs, and regional settings to evoke personal memories.
- Emotional Connection: Natural voices and familiar songs are used to trigger long-term memories and emotional responses, aiming to reconnect individuals with their personal history.
- Therapeutic Benefits: The immersive environment helps reduce stress, agitation, and anxiety, offering therapeutic support without medication.
- Ease of Installation: The SENSE-GARDEN toolbox simplifies setup, requiring minimal technical expertise from caregivers. The system is designed to be user-friendly, with just two cables for easy installation.
- Enhanced Caregiver Support: The immersive space not only benefits people with dementia but also provides caregivers with a calm and supportive environment, helping them better connect with those in their care.
- Innovative Interaction: The experience lasts about 20 minutes, during which users can engage with interactive elements that encourage movement and social interaction.
04. Partners
The SENSE-GARDEN project involved 8 partners from multiple countries
- University Hospital of North Norway, R&D, Norway [coordinator]
- Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy from Bucharest, End-user, Romania
- Odda Municipality, End-user, Norway
- Sta. Casa da Misericordia, End-user, Portugal
- Compexin S.A., Romania
- Vulpia Vlaanderen VZW, End-user, Belgium
- e-Point, SME, Belgium
- Norwegian University of Science and Technology, R&D, Norway
05. Impact on ePoint on participating in the AAL project
Key takeaways
- AAL project participation led to new collaborations with research institutions and healthcare providers across Europe.
- Establishment of a social enterprise for the commercialization of SENSE-GARDEN, involving several AAL project partners.
- Positive symbiosis between academic and private sectors, with academic publications enhancing the project’s credibility.
- The AAL project significantly improved the product’s design, especially through user engagement, resulting in a more user-friendly and less complex technological setup.
- Support actions from AAL, such as workshops and business model development sessions, were crucial for commercialisation strategies.
06. Main learnings from developing a solution through an AAL project
- Enhanced understanding of dementia-related challenges and technology’s role in improving quality of life.
- Important insights into creating sensory-rich environments for dementia care.
- Learning how to simplify the technological setup of the product to better suit end-users.
- Gaining practical experience in co-creation with caregivers and stakeholders.
- Improved knowledge about integrating therapeutic elements into digital environments.
07. Impact on networking and collaboration
- The AAL project fostered sustainable collaborations between private companies, research institutions, and healthcare providers across Europe.
- Long-term relationships established with partners from Norway, Portugal, Romania and Belgium.
- Strengthened connections with dementia care experts and end-user organisations, including the Expertisecentrum Dementie Vlaanderen.
- Continued collaboration among partners for new and follow-up projects, maintaining a balance between academic and commercial inputs.
08. Perceived benefits of participating in AAL Support Actions
- Participation in AAL support actions like AAL2Business and AAL Forum proved instrumental for business development.
- AAL2Business workshops helped develop a business model and pitch presentation skills.
- The AAL Forum offered exposure to the latest developments in dementia care and technology.
09. How AAL supported development and market adoption
User involvement
- The product is designed as a modular setup, easily deployable in care homes and similar environments.
Geographical markets
- Initial market targets include Belgium, Norway, and the Netherlands.
- Product pre-launch is ongoing, with 11 installations in 6 countries.
- Expansion plans for Europe, with possible future markets in Canada, Australia, and the Arabic world.
10. Challenges encountered
- Complex technological setup initially hindered adoption.
- Adjustments made to simplify installation and reduce technological barriers for caregivers.
- Financing and finding large distribution partners remain ongoing challenges.
11. Actions needed to launch the product
- Increase engagement with primary end-users: People with dementia in care homes, assisted living, and home care settings
- Market product to target audience and expected paying customers: Healthcare facilities and care homes
- Reach sales targets: 100 paying customers within the first two years of launching”
12. Next steps
- Potential market expansion to include children with mental health conditions.
- Exploration of creating a home version (SENSE-GARDEN Home) for individual users.
Commercial Strategy
- Expected turnover: €250,000 in the first year after launch.
- Potential job creation through freelance support and expanded market presence