Designed for care institutions
The Pillo is created to closely resemble an ordinary decorative cushion, making it a recognizable object for the user. The low-stimulus outer pillowcase, without any prints, comes in neutral colors and is made of water and dirt-repellent fabric, making Pillo a perfect fit for day centers.
The inner cover of the Pillo controller consists of an integrated sensor fabric. This fabric consists of multiple rows of pressure sensors that converge at the seam of the cushion. The sensor fabric is imperceptible to the touch and very sensitive, ensuring it does not diminish the user’s experience while playing.
The ‘label’ protruding from the cushion serves as the control panel, allowing
the user to turn the controller on or off, establish connection with the Pillo Play menu, and check the battery status. Using this ‘label,’ the cushion automatically connects via Bluetooth to the nearest Apple TV, which is the platform on which the Pillo Play app runs. This app opens up a world of possibilities!
"Playing with Pillo is an effective way to address sensory under-stimulation. As Pillo can be played independently by a PIMD client without constant assistance from a caregiver, it can be used during the 'empty hours'.”
Innovation by users
There are approximately four to six thousand children and ten thousand adults with Profound Intellectual and Multiple Disabilities (PIMD) in the Netherlands alone. These individuals have severe intellectual disabilities and significant motor limitations. Individuals with PIMD are entirely dependent on others due to their disabilities, and their motor difficulties restrict their body movement significantly. Sometimes terms such as Profound Multiple Disabilities (PMD), Severely Multiply Disabled (SMD), Severely and Profoundly Intellectually Disabled (SPID), and (S)PIMD ((Severe) Profound Intellectual and Multiple Disabilities) are also used.
Pillo’s innovation process closely involves both end-users (clients) and administrators (caregivers). The research, brainstorming, testing, and implementation phases of all Pillo’s innovations have been carried out in association with caregivers and clients with various levels of PIMD. This approach was chosen to ensure that no assumptions were made about user-friendliness or the needs of day care facilities and other care institutions.
Interviews with healthcare institutions revealed that individuals with PIMD often experience “empty hours” during which no activities are offered. It was also mentioned that finding suitable activities is quite challenging. This has led to sensory under-stimulation being a significant issue for the PIMD and (S)PIMD population.
Playing with Pillo is an effective way to address sensory under-stimulation. As Pillo can be played independently by a PIMD client without constant assistance from a caregiver, it can be used during the “empty hours.” The client is encouraged to engage in speech and reaction, is rewarded for engaging in activity, and is stimulated to exert control.
Additionally, Pillo is highly suitable for interactive Snoezelen sensory therapy, where a PIMD client can not only relax and be stimulated but also actively influence their environment.
Furthermore, Pillo is exceptionally well-suited for physiotherapy and occupational therapy within the PIMD population, as Pillo and the games encourage movement.
Pillo against sensory under stimulation
Playing with Pillo is proven to be an effective way to combat sensory under-stimulation. As Pillo can be played independently by a client with Profound Intellectual and Multiple Disabilities (PIMD) or (Severe) Profound Intellectual and Multiple Disabilities (SPIMD), it can be used during “empty hours”; for example, during lunchtime, diaper changes, or after meals. Due to the various games offered by Pillo, designed to engage different interests and senses, it provides more than just passive experiences. The client is encouraged to engage in speech and reaction, becomes engrossed in the activities, and is stimulated to exert control.
Variable accessories
Pillo’s controller, games, and menu of have been completely redesigned, the set’s accessories have also been completely renewed. And the best part: all sets can be completely customized.
The new storage system of Pillo, for instance, was designed in collaboration with end-users to perfectly align with the needs of day care facilities. This means that the cabinet is easily movable, the Pillo controllers do not shift during transportation, charging and battery status checks can be done within seconds, the monitor arm is height and rotation adjustable, and there are no cables or other electronics lying around for users within reach.
Are you part of a smaller care organization or would you like to use Pillo as an individual? We are fully willing to help you choose and select the set that suits you best. This includes options such as one or two Pillo controllers, with or without an Apple TV, with or without a monitor, or even a rental option.
Pillo as a Physiotherapy or Occupational Therapy Aid
The Pillo is created to closely resemble an ordinary decorative cushion, making it a recognizable object for the user. The low-stimulus outer pillowcase, without any prints, comes in neutral colors and is made of water and dirt-repellent fabric, making Pillo a perfect fit for day centers.
The inner cover of the Pillo controller consists of an integrated sensor fabric. This fabric consists of multiple rows of pressure sensors that converge at the seam of the cushion. The sensor fabric is imperceptible to the touch and very sensitive, ensuring it does not diminish the user’s experience while playing.
The ‘label’ protruding from the cushion serves as the control panel, allowing the user to turn the controller on or off, establish connection with the Pillo Play menu, and check the battery status. Using this ‘label,’ the cushion automatically connects via Bluetooth to the nearest Apple TV, which is the platform on which the Pillo Play app runs. This app opens up a world of possibilities!
Pillo as action/reaction training
Engaging in daily activities as an individual with Profound Intellectual and Multiple Disabilities is quite a challenge. For our users, playing with Pillo revolves around improving the quality of life, creating experiences, and finding joy. Pillo supports this mission by socially and physically engaging clients. Play Pillo games together with your clients and explore their strengths and interests.
