PRESS RELEASE: HOME IS HOME: first-hand experience

Many people have specific needs that prevent them from being independent and self-sufficient. This makes it difficult for them to live in a home environment. It is through assistive technology that their needs can be supported and their quality of life enhanced.

"The ageing population brings with it many challenges. A growing number of elderly people require more intensive care and support, which often places considerable demands on their loved ones. Caregivers often find themselves in the difficult situation of having to balance caring for another with their own needs and commitments. It is therefore essential to pay attention to finding solutions and both 
in both services and technology," said the coordinator of innovative technologies 
Julie Tomaňová, JINAG's coordinator of innovation in social and health care.

The event brought together more than 150 professional and family caregivers, social and health service providers, representatives of South Moravian municipalities and academics. The contributed session in the lecture hall featured insights from more than 
20 service providers, representatives of academia and developers of assistive technologies themselves. During the accompanying programme, thanks to the 17 partners of the event, it was possible to try out virtual reality as an aid for improving cognitive function, rehabilitation or combating loneliness. Smart devices such as bracelets and pendants for rapid emergency assistance and related services that tie in with these technologies in the social care environment were also presented. There were also emergency call apps and a demonstration of an app for the visually impaired and blind. It was also possible to try out a special suit simulating the movements and feelings of the elderly.

"I'm so glad that JINAG got all those concerned with care in one place. The opportunity to learn about the assistive technology available and to talk to those who are providing care themselves or who in turn need care was great. The ageing population is a big challenge for the South Moravian region. That is why we want to take advantage of everything that modern technology offers us in the future and enable families to stay together as long as possible," said Jana Holomčík Leitnerová, Regional Councillor for Social and Family Policy.

Participants could also get involved in the development of the information environment that JINAG is working on. The environment is intended to make the whole topic and the specific possibilities of assistive technologies accessible to both informal carers and the social clients themselves. 
and health service providers in our region.

"We are striving for increased use of assistive technology in social and health services. We want to help the lay and professional public to navigate this area more easily. That is why, in addition to the event HOME IS HOME, we are creating an information environment where people with reduced self-sufficiency or their carers can find an overview of services and tools to enhance safety in the home environment, remote communication with health professionals 
and monitoring of health status or development and leisure time," said Eva Nečasová, specialist for social and health services at JINAG.

The event was held under the auspices of Jana Holomčík Leitnerová, Councillor for Social and Family Policy of the South Moravian Region. More information about the event can be found at https://www.domajedoma.eu/.