Pilot action output fact sheet
The pilot activity addresses key challenges in elderly care, including improving safety, increasing supervision, and providing innovative therapeutic approaches for clients in long-term care facilities. Specific needs include reducing the workload of staff during night shifts, enhancing monitoring systems for disoriented clients, and implementing activities to support cognitive and mental health.
The main goal is to improve the quality and safety of elderly care through advanced monitoring systems and virtual reality therapy. These solutions address challenges related to client safety, cognitive decline, and staff efficiency, providing real-time monitoring, emergency interventions, and interactive therapeutic experiences.
The pilot activity includes technologies:
Monitoring devices and SOS buttons: Monitoring devices are installed in the client's room and include motion sensors for fall detection, activity monitoring, and immediate alerts in emergency situations. These devices provide real-time data through a mobile app, improving response time and increasing safety during night hours. An innovation with the SOS buttons is the ability to forward notifications after pressing the emergency button as alerts to the mobile app, enabling a quick response from staff. These buttons are installed separately in the bathroom/toilet areas.
Virtual Reality (VR): VR headsets, along with customized software Cognity Care, offer cognitive training, relaxation, and immersion in environments such as beaches, forests, and underwater worlds. The programs are designed to support memory, motor skills, and reduce stress. VR therapy has proven effective in improving mental health and slowing cognitive decline.
Representatives of facility management, caregivers, and clients were involved in the planning and implementation process. Feedback from staff and clients played a key role in selecting the most suitable alternative solutions. The functionalities of the technologies were tailored to meet their needs, leading to the selection of the most appropriate technology. Training sessions prepared staff for the effective use of the technologies, while clients had the opportunity to familiarize themselves with the VR system through interactive demonstrations.
The pilot activity was implemented by Via Carpatia EGTC, which coordinated the entire solution process. The development involved partners from the Arcus and Via Lux facilities, technical experts, management from facilities, nursing staff, including experts from the Department of Nursing Care at Pavol Jozef Šafárik University in Košice, and also Deutsche Telekom IT Solutions Slovakia. The implementation took into account the expertise and contributions of all involved partners to achieve the set goals.
The pilot activity will improve the safety and quality of senior care through innovative monitoring technologies and virtual reality therapy. Expected changes include increased staff efficiency, reduced risks, and improved cognitive abilities and mental health of the clients. Long-term effects will include not only a safer environment for seniors but also broader implementation of these technologies in other care facilities and regions.
The technology implemented within the project will continue to be used by the respective facilities even after the project ends. All purchased equipment will remain the property of Via Carpatia EGTC but will be provided for free use by the facilities where the implementation took place. The implemented technology does not require any recurring costs. Any potential technical issues will be financed based on mutual agreement between Via Carpatia EGTC and the facilities. The facilities will ensure continuous staff training and the integration of the technologies into the organization’s regular operations. Collaboration with expert institutions will contribute to the long-term sustainability and dissemination of innovations in the senior care sector.
The technology has long-term potential for use beyond senior care facilities. Within the project activities, we plan to work on its transferability to various long-term care facilities. Monitoring devices and SOS buttons connected to a mobile application can be adapted to enhance safety and ease the work of staff. Virtual reality, aimed at strengthening cognitive abilities and mental health, is suitable for both seniors and young people using long-term care services, thereby promoting their independence. These technologies also have potential in home environments, supporting the independent functioning of seniors in their own homes and ultimately reducing the strain on services provided by long-term care facilities.