Welfare technology

Welfare technology is an important tool for, among other things, enabling the Nordic region’s 1,200 or so municipalities to handle the pressure and to continue to provide high-quality social welfare. There are quite large differences in how the Nordic countries use welfare technology. Everyone is agreed, however, that the technology is an important way to reduce the pressure on care and welfare.

We have developed a tool box which will facilitate the implementation of welfare technology projects in the Nordic municipalities.

Examples of welfare technology:

• For increased security: security alarm, mobile phone, mobile alarm with GPS function, video entry system and surveillance webcam.
• For increased activity and participation in society: rollators, electric wheelchairs, hearing aids, vision aids, Internet services, video communication, technical support for reminders and structure in everyday life.
• For a more independent life: mobility aids, cognitive aids such as medication reminders, products for remotely controlling the TV, lighting, automatic doors. Information and communication technology services (ICT services) and products that make shopping, banking and contact with the authorities easier.
• As support for relatives: ICT services that support communication with other relatives or care and welfare staff, hoists, auxiliary engines for manual wheelchairs and motion detectors.
• To support day-to-day life: mobile apps developed to support people in their day-to-day life, such as aids for people with impaired hearing or vision. Apps containing pictograms can help people with reduced cognitive function to communicate.