Participatory video design is a novel approach to collect experiences and perceptions of older people about the age-friendliness of their city or neighborhood. In this article, we describe how this co-creative method can add to specific knowledge about the preferences and needs of older people about the improvement or preservation of their environment. We describe two examples of this approach in the cities of The Hague and Leiden, the Netherlands. Persons of 60 years and older were invited to participate in a “workshop” on filmmaking focusing on age-friendly cities. A professional filmmaker and a researcher of the University of Applied Sciences worked in co-creation with older people, to produce short films on the topics that were perceived as important from the perspective of the participants. The older people worked in couples to produce their short films about the city or their neighborhood. Topics of the films included communication and information, outdoor spaces, social relations, and community support. The use of participatory video design can foster empowerment and social interaction among older participants, and insight into the preferences and needs of older people regarding age-friendly cities.

The establishment of new housing initiatives for older people begins with the participation of (future) residents. This study explored how participation is experienced by both facilitators and (future) residents and what lessons are learned regarding the facilitation of meaningful participation. Participation was studied through semi-structured interviews and focus group sessions from the perspective of 34 (future) residents and facilitators involved in participation processes in a diverse set of four housing projects from the Netherlands. The results focused on three phases: the initiation phase, the concepting and development phase, and the transition towards an established form of group housing. From the outset of such processes, it was important to involve all relevant stakeholders and to create a shared vision about the participation process. Discussions in small groups, the use of references, creative elements, and the creation of the right atmosphere were experienced as valuable during the concepting and design phase. In the third phase, the role of the organisation and residents needed to be discussed again. Participation should be a continuous process, during which trust, communication and having an open attitude are key. This study showed how innovative approaches can contribute to the creation of an environment in which older people can impact the actual design of housing, and make it more inclusive.

Background/Objectives: The aim of the study is to determine factors that affect informal caregivers’ ability to care for older migrants with dementia, with a broad aim of providing a framework for improving regional formal support. We used patient journey mapping as a method to identify experiences of informal caregivers. Methods: The study took place in three phases. In the first phase, the content of the patient journey was outlined, and semi-structured interviews were conducted with 14 informal caregivers of people with dementia and a migrant background. In the second phase, results of the interviews were discussed in workshops with professionals. In the third phase, professionals worked together on a plan for improving care and support. Results: Besides positive experiences with care and support, informal caregivers expressed the need for knowledge and training, timely information as well as practical culturally sensitive care and support. Professionals expressed a need for more knowledge of culturally sensitive issues and conversation techniques. They also indicated the need for more integrated care and the ability to offer practical solutions for informal caregivers. As a final result, a multidisciplinary programme on improving knowledge, information for clients, informal caregivers and professionals, use of key figures, culturally sensitive support, a multidisciplinary care path and education for future professionals was launched for the region. Conclusions: A patient journey is a valuable method to pinpoint problems and needs of informal caregivers as well as professionals. It provides a foundation for multidisciplinary communication and collaboration to improve care and support.