Envida Grubbenveld

During my project, I collaborated with care organization Envida, an organization committed to providing human-centered care for older adults, including people living with dementia. At Envida, the focus is not on the condition itself, but on the person behind it. Within the stimulating living environment, attention is given to what residents are still able to do, and to helping them feel safe, seen, and connected.

When I vistited Envida, I conducted observations and spoke with both residents and care professionals. One key insight that emerged was the high workload within the care sector. Due to staff shortages and an increasing demand for care, there is less and less time for personal attention, even though moments of calm, closeness, and connection are incredibly meaningful for residents.

Based on these insights, I developed a design: a tangible “lucky stone” that symbolizes connection. The stone can emit light and gentle vibrations when a loved one is thinking of the resident, and it contains a personal image on the inside. The object is intentionally simple, familiar, and intuitive, allowing residents to use it independently without the need for explanation or guidance.

The design supports residents in experiencing a sense of connection and comfort without requiring additional actions from care professionals. In this way, it not only contributes to the well-being of people living with dementia, but also helps to slightly ease the workload in care. The design therefore serves as a small, human-centered addition within a care environment where time and attention are becoming increasingly scarce.