Quality Life despite Disease

Project completed

The project aims at providing a dignified environment for seniors with dementia in the Special Needs Home in Ostrava by reconstructing the attic of an existing Day-Care Centre. In addition, constructional adjustments of the whole building will permit to provide an adequate barrier-free infrastructure for the clients. Together with the necessary training of staff, this will allow for introducing modern care methods for seniors with dementia. Furthermore, the capacity of the in-home social services will be increased by the procurement of additional vehicles.
 

Country/region Topic Period Budget
Czech Republic
Improving social security
Social services for specific target groups
01.12.2012 - 31.12.2016
CHF  1’266’984

Note: the texts under all the headings, with the exception of 'Results achieved', describe the situation before the start of the project.

Background

The demographic trends of the Czech Republic and the whole of Europe indicate that the number of senior citizens will continue to grow rapidly. In parallel, the incidence of dementia and, in particular, Alzheimer’s disease is expected to increase. According to estimates of the European Alzheimer’s Society, there are at present approximately 123’000 Alzheimer patients in the Czech Republic. However, there is a severe lack of specialized facilities for such patients in the Czech Republic. This applies in particular to the disadvantaged regions in eastern Czech Republic, constituting the focus regions of the Swiss contribution. In Ostrava, there are not enough facilities specifically targeted to people with dementia. Furthermore, the Slezska Diakonie building is characterized by an outdated infrastructure which does not permit to provide social services of high quality to its residents.

Objectives

The main aim of the project is to set up a comprehensive system of care aimed at seniors with Alzheimer’s disease and other types of dementia. This shall be achieved by the establishment of a specialized social service facility as well as by the introduction of state-of-the-art work methods which will improve the quality of the care services delivered to individual residents.

Target groups
  • Seniors with Alzheimer disease or other types of dementia
  • Social workers
  • Families of the clients
Activities

The project will finance the reconstruction of the attic of an existing Day-Care Centre in Ostrava so as to establish a new social service for 12 clients. In addition, constructional adjustments on the lower floors of the building (entrance, staircase, lift, sanitary facilities, heating system) will be implemented. Furthermore, new windows and doors will be installed, the outer building perimeters will be insulated and two cars as well as a minibus will be procured. The Executing Agency will assure the training of 11 staff so that they will be able to apply 5 new methods of work with seniors.

Results

Achieved results:  

  • The building was reconstructed including transformation of the attics into an additional storey for the Home with Special Treatment services (Alzheimer clients), providing space for 12 clients with dementia (5 double, 2 single rooms).
  • Dining room, kitchen and all premises were newly equipped as well as created barrier-free. Additionally, the garden was revitalized. Altogether, this resulted in a higher living quality for the patients.
  • Six new social methods were introduced that were instrumental in addressing the inclusion / equity issues and in strengthening the quality of care for a vulnerable segment of the population.
  • The capacity of the in-home service increased from 43 to 65 (+ 51%) due to new vehicles.
  • Exchange of experience and know-how with several Swiss institutions took place during the project which resulted in positive output for how to respond to the particular needs of patients with dementia.


Directorate/federal office responsible SDC
Credit area Swiss Contribution to the enlarged EU
Project partners Contract partner
Foreign state institution
  • National State Institute North


Budget Current phase Swiss budget CHF    1’266’984 Swiss disbursement to date CHF    1’244’269
Project phases

Phase 1 01.12.2012 - 31.12.2016   (Completed)