ExpoBieb Zoetermeer Opens

The ExpoBieb is an initiative of inZet, mboRijnland, Samen Zoetermeer Gezond, the Municipality of Zoetermeer, CIV Welzijn & Zorg, Thuisleef Groep, Jong Senioren, Palet Welzijn, EerstelijnsZorg Zoetermeer, and ZonMw. This broad partnership brings together healthcare, social services, and education with a single goal: to support residents in becoming more self-reliant.

The ExpoBieb originated from specific questions raised in Zoetermeer, explains Arianne Riedijk, a teacher at MBO Rijnland and project leader of the Experimenteerhuis. "At the Experimenteerhuis, students, healthcare professionals, and residents are introduced to various assistive devices. Through our interactions with residents, we felt a desire to get closer to them and introduce them even more to care technology. That led to the Expobike, a cargo bike filled with assistive devices that goes out into the neighborhood. We then realized it would be even better if residents could try out the devices themselves. All parties were open to the idea, and the ExpoBieb was born.”

Discover, try, and borrow

Visitors can not only view the assistive devices, but also try them out and borrow them. These include smart technologies that support daily living, mobility, and home safety, such as the interactive cuddly cat Ginger, a drop-shaped magnifying glass, or a pulse oximeter that measures blood oxygen levels using a finger sensor. All available items for loan are listed at expobieb.nl, and you can reserve assistive devices for loan through the booking system.

During consultation hours, visitors receive personalized guidance. "We do this on Mondays in Oosterheem and Tuesdays in Rokkeveen, together with volunteers," explains Aroena Lala, coordinator of the ExpoBieb. "We have about 20 different products. People can try out the assistive devices and take them home. This allows residents to experience what works for them in their own home environment. This is especially helpful for people who aren’t quite sure what they’re looking for yet, but who do want to increase their independence.”

Cross-border cooperation

According to Bertine Spijkers, executive director of inZet, the strength of the ExpoBieb lies in collaboration: "You often see that everyone stays within their own sphere. There are wonderful initiatives, especially within individual organizations. This initiative shows what happens when you collaborate across boundaries. I hope this collaboration sparks a movement and that together we can help give meaning to people’s lives, enabling them to live in their own homes for as long as possible.”

Learning and experimenting

Education also plays an important role. Students are actively involved in the ExpoBieb. Rowan Croon, a motion technology intern at the Experimenteerhuis and a student at The Hague University of Applied Sciences, will also be providing support during consultation hours. "I help residents understand the technology and work with them to figure out what suits them best."

According to Daphne Francino, team leader at inZet and manager at Palet Welzijn, it’s all about trust and experience: “With the ExpoBieb, we’re showing that living independently at home for longer is not only desirable but also achievable. By letting residents experience for themselves what’s possible, we increase their self-reliance and their confidence in using new solutions. That’s a win for residents and for the healthcare sector.”

Walk-in hours: drop by

Every Monday from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at inZet Oosterheem, Zanzibarplein (next to the Oosterpoort sports hall)

Every Tuesday from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at inZet Rokkeveen, Nathaliegang 79 (next to the library)

Visit www.expobieb.nl or for more information

Source: inZet