On February 2^nd, 2022, Anne4Care earned a prestigious ZonMw Pearl award, recognising its groundbreaking impact on improving the lives of older adults and their caregivers. This innovative solution combines the power of digital technology with human-centred design to offer a supportive, accessible, and practical tool for those navigating the complexities of daily life and care.

Anne4Care is a virtual digital care assistant designed to bring structure and support to the lives of older adults who might struggle with managing their schedules or remembering essential tasks like taking medication or attending appointments. Anne is more than just a notification system – she’s an avatar with a friendly face and voice, capable of speaking 10 languages and providing tailored support without requiring users to have advanced digital skills.

From medication reminders to video calling, Anne offers a suite of features to enhance daily life. She listens, responds, and provides timely reminders, ensuring users feel cared for and connected even when they live independently.

The prize jury awarded ‘Living Well with Anne’ its ZonMw Pearl prize for its innovative approach and broad application potential. “Anne4Care embodies a solution designed with empathy at its core,” the jury commented. “Its adaptability, offering multiple functions and multilingual support, makes it a versatile tool for diverse groups and individual needs.

“Anne4Care also exemplifies the power of international collaboration, with partners from Germany, Switzerland, Luxembourg, and Italy contributing valuable insights -including cultural nuances in using virtual assistants effectively,” they continued.

The jury was also impressed by the innovative involvement of the target group, with users living with dementia actively participating in Anne’s development. “This project stands as a beacon of how technology, collaboration, and user-centred design can transform care for the better,” they concluded.

A lifeline for caregivers

For professional and informal caregivers, Anne4Care is a game-changer. Recent findings show that using Anne reduces caregiving demands by two hours per person per week. This translates to significant cost savings for professional care organisations and relief for informal carers, many of whom juggle caregiving with work and personal responsibilities.

By automating routine tasks and providing reliable reminders, Anne allows caregivers to focus on more meaningful, personal interactions with those they support. The efficiency gained through Anne4Care has real implications for the sustainability of home care services, ensuring quality care at a reduced cost.

Anne4Care fosters independence and confidence among older adults, empowering them to manage their lives with minimal intervention. Users no longer need to worry about forgetting critical activities, as Anne seamlessly integrates into their daily routines. Her friendly, interactive nature make her a comforting presence, bridging the gap between technology and human connection.

The device also has a customer support team ready to assist and an easy-to-use interface, ensuring that no one is left behind, regardless of their technical skills.

The ZonMw Pearl award highlighted the transformative impact of Anne4Care in the care sector. It is a testament to the innovative thinking behind this solution and its ability to address some of the most pressing challenges in ageing populations: maintaining autonomy, reducing caregiver burden, and lowering costs.

• For more information about Anne4Care, visit: https://anne4care.nl/