Het Vertrouwde Dorp

How Het Vertrouwde Dorp offers a home to people with dementia — thanks to LynX

At Het Vertrouwde Dorp, the feeling of being at home is paramount. Johanna and Theo Castrop, both experienced nurses with over 40 years of combined experience, welcome residents into a small-scale facility with a village-like atmosphere. Their goal is not just to provide care, but to create a place where people with memory problems can live independently and safely, surrounded by familiar faces.

According to Johanna and Theo, LynX makes all the difference — not by automating care, but by respecting and supporting the lives of residents, without unnecessary restrictions.

Technology that adapts — not the other way around

From passive alarm systems that discreetly ensure safety, to fully customized configurations that align with each resident’s lifestyle. Whether it’s nighttime fall detection, presence signals, or a quick call for help — LynX ensures the care team can intervene at the right moment, without disturbing the residents.

Safety & freedom go hand in hand

At Het Vertrouwde Dorp, everything revolves around resident autonomy. Are you an early bird? Or do you prefer the calm of the evening? Do you enjoy social activities, or would you rather read quietly? There’s room for all of that in this care organization.

A solution was needed to support this diversity of needs through flexible settings. LynX proved to be ideal. It offers an open platform that grows with the wishes of both residents and caregivers. Safety remains central — but without confinement.

The open-door principle

In the Netherlands, the open-door principle is increasingly becoming the legal and ethical norm: residents are allowed to move freely, even outside their room or ward. Doors are not locked by default.

This is also the case at Het Vertrouwde Dorp. Residents have full freedom to wander, explore the garden, pick flowers, visit the chickens or greenhouse… LynX’s wandering detection ensures their safety in a passive way. Each resident can be assigned and adjusted with a personalized wandering profile.

“Take Herman, for example. An avid walker who loves exploring the building and garden. But he also figured out how the gate works. As soon as he would leave the premises, LynX sends an alert to our caregivers so they are immediately informed.”

A sense of home — even when home fades

Beyond safety, one of the biggest challenges in a care organization is recreating the feeling of home. People with dementia often feel that their own house no longer feels familiar. They refer back to the home from their childhood memories.

“We rebuild that sense of home through autonomy, familiar faces, and an environment that matches their lifestyle. LynX’s flexible technology supports this. It allows us to keep doors open — both literally and figuratively — without worry.”
— Theo Castrop

One resident expressed this feeling beautifully. One morning, she said to a colleague:

“I feel like I’m declining, but I really hope I don’t have to go to a nursing home. I love living here in my apartment.”

This shows that a sense of home and subtle support is possible — thanks to LynX.

A partnership that makes a difference

The service at Het Vertrouwde Dorp was entrusted to Dutch integrator LevelFour. According to Theo and Johanna, the service level of both their integrator and the people behind LynX is exceptional. Issues are addressed quickly, questions are taken seriously, and there’s always room to find solutions together.

“That allows us to fully focus on what truly matters: creating a safe, free, and warm home.”