Project R-16165

FutureCare: Research project on intersectoral long-term care. (Research)

Building Tomorrow's Care Together presents ToekomstZorg, an action-oriented innovation program addressing the major challenges in long-term care and support. Population ageing, increasingly complex care needs, and a structural workforce shortage require a fundamental transformation of care systems. ToekomstZorg adopts a person-centered approach and promotes cross-sectoral and cross-policy collaboration. Innovation and integrated care are key pillars in developing sustainable, high-quality, and future-proof solutions. The program provides a structured framework to stimulate, implement, and sustainably embed innovation in practice. Through calls such as Innovatieruimte and Innovatieruimte Plus (deadline 16/03/2026), initiatives are given space to experiment and learn. Successful practices are widely disseminated and, where possible, structurally anchored in policy and care models. ToekomstZorg follows a bottom-up approach, engaging a broad range of stakeholders including care users, professionals, informal caregivers, researchers, innovators, and policymakers. Scientific and process support is provided by an interdisciplinary consortium comprising all Flemish universities, Odisee Hogeschool, and Dutch partners, coordinated by KU Leuven. The steering committee includes representatives of the Flemish Minister's cabinet for Welfare and Poverty Reduction, Culture and Equal Opportunities, the policy domain of Welfare, Public Health and Family, the Vlaams Agentschap voor Personen met een Handicap, Agentschap Opgroeien, the Vlaamse Raad voor Welzijn, Volksgezondheid en Gezin, and the consortium. Together, they foster new frameworks and care models to strengthen the care of tomorrow.

01 June 2024 - 31 May 2028