Press release: Assistive technology as the key to managing an ageing population

Population aging represents one of the most significant challenges to the current health and social care system. By 2035, the number of elderly people will increase to such an extent that there will be a shortage of funding, beds, and professional staff.  There are more than 1.2 million inhabitants in the South Moravian Region, of whom more than 200,000 are aged 65 and over. This trend is set to continue, posing a challenge to the health and social care system.

"The increasing number of elderly people, especially those who find themselves in a situation of dependency, requires a new concept of services. This demographic change highlights the need to move away from traditional institutional care to a more flexible model that will allow older people to live independently and in a natural home environment for as long as possible," said Deputy Governor Roman Celý, who is in charge of local government tasks in the area of social and family policy.

"The South Moravian Region has long emphasized the support of field services that are provided in the natural environment of the person (e.g. care services, etc.). The provision of quality and accessible field social services using modern technologies leads to delaying the need to apply for residential services and to the fulfillment of the declared wish of persons to live (and possibly live) at home even though they need intensive and repeated assistance from another person. At the same time, efforts to modernize existing residential services are continuing," added Petr Horehleď, head of the Social Affairs Department.

The exhibition refers to the new assistive technology signpost www.domajedoma.eu, which maps the often chaotic waters of various smart devices, wristbands, mobile phones, buttons, glasses, and sensors in order to make them easier to navigate for anyone looking for a solution to their situation.

The exhibition and the signpost were prepared by the JINAG agency, which is actively involved in the development and modernization of social and health services in the South Moravian Region. "We aim to show that technology can be an effective tool to strengthen the self-sufficiency of the elderly and facilitate the work of caregivers. The use of home monitoring, wearable devices, or telemedicine can bring not only greater safety but also significant savings in the healthcare sector," said Patrik Reichl, director of JINAG.

The availability and deployment of assistive technologies in the South Moravian Region is a long-term process that requires a systematic approach and cooperation across sectors. The launch of the new assistive technology signpost builds on the previous Home is Home: on your own.

"For assistive technologies to become a common part of care for the elderly, it is necessary to ensure their availability, ease of use, education among seniors and caregivers, support for innovation, and close cooperation between experts and technology companies," said Eva Nečasová, who is responsible for innovation in the social and health sector at JINAG. "Between April and October this year we will bring the exhibition and assistive technologies to the regions of the region, we will present the benefits of modern technologies for municipalities at URBIS The Smart Cities Meetup in June and we will support helping workers in the use of assistive technologies through seminars," added Eva Nečasová.

The exhibition is an opportunity for professionals and the general public to learn about the possibilities that can improve the quality of life of seniors and caring families. The unifying motif of the entire awareness-raising activity is the red chair - a symbol of home and support. Starting this spring, people will be able to meet it, for example, in healthcare facilities, senior points, or through the communication channels of the municipalities of the South Moravian Region. This initiative aims to remind us that aging with dignity and quality care is the result of joint efforts - of families, professionals, and the whole of society. And technology plays a more important role in this area today than ever before.

JINAG continues to play an active role in ensuring quality services for all residents of the region, with a special emphasis on the needs of the older generation.

Contact person:

Eva Nečasová
E-mail: eva.necasova@jinag.eu
Phone: 773 252 377

Download the press release HERE .