Lokaal+: future proof education programme for vocational health care students in an aging society

The societal challenge of an aging population leads to the situation that people who need care stay in their home. Therefore, the future jobs of the vocational care-students will be in the homes of the people. That is why practice-based learning spots for internship of students are created in school and in public meeting places in 5 municipalities. Students offer practical supportive services to elderly and their family carers at home and in the public meeting places during their internship. They are offering support during group activities such as organising workshops about how to use digital devices and services and about healthy food and exercises. The elderly offer in return their own living environment as learning space to students to learn in the practice of future proof supporting services delivery for independent living. It is a collaboration between the education centres, elderly, municipalities, local entrepreneurs of digital solutions and health care organisations. All stakeholders benefit from this formula. It helps to improve the adaption of digital services of elderly, family carers and professionals. It offers lifelong learning to citizens and foresees in one of the solutions for municipalities to deal with the societal challenge of ageing. For the involved local companies, it is a living lab for development and implementation of smart health services. For the involved education centres, it gives more insight in the future labour market.