Kick-off meeting in Prague was a success!
The two-day Interregional Event was hosted by the lead partner (CTU) in the historical building of the Ministry of Industry and Trade in Prague.
Our kick-off meeting began with a brief introduction of the project’s aims by project leader Vít Janovský. This was followed by an overview of communication requirements by Daria Ler and Hana Hadzic from the ASA Institute. Reporting obligations were explained by Tereza Klausová from CTU.
The next part of the program included an introduction to each policy instrument influenced by the project and the partners responsible for their update. This way we will be able to work efficiently during the upcomming months of the first semester.
Several stakeholders from the Czech Republic and Latvia also participated, giving them the opportunity to benefit from lectures delivered by experts in assistive technologies within the Czech social-health care system.
Lectures were provided by:
-
Mgr. Rostislav Haufer, MBA (Smart Care) – Factors Influencing the Selection and Use of Assistive Technologies
-
MUDr. Bc. Petra Sládková, Ph.D. (Rehabilitation Clinic, Bulovka Hospital) – Aids in the Social Security System and Related Legislation
-
Mgr. Eva Nečasová (JINAG Agency) – Home is Home – Even with the Help of Modern Technology
-
MUDr. Markéta Janatová, Ph.D. (Homebalance) – Technical Solutions in Social Health Care
The participants also had the opportunity to try out the Homebalance telerehabilitation set themselves.
The second day was dedicated to study visits to three organizations that use or develop assistive technologies. The consortium was divided into two groups to allow for a more in-depth exploration of each site.
We visited Smart Care, a social service focused on emergency support for the elderly. This helps seniors remain self-sufficient for as long as possible and stay in their own homes. Smart Care also offers Snoezelen therapy, psychotherapy, legal advisory services, and the rental of assistive devices.
In the afternoon, we visited the TELMED assistive technology showroom (Living Lab), where we observed an assistive package for seniors that includes various tools, as well as the robot Robin, which is widely accepted as an effective activation and emotional support tool for the elderly. They also provide support for healthy sexuality expression to the clients of a senior home which the living lab is part of.
The Senior Home Chodov demonstrated the everyday use of assistive technologies in social services. We saw a telemedicine kit integrated into the organization’s healthcare software, enabling fast and simple measurement of clients’ vital functions. Virtual reality technology supports both senior activation and training of social workers. The Anume Care smart pad, placed in the client’s bed, monitors vital signs, prevents pressure ulcers, and alerts staff to bed exits.
