While the demographic trends indicate that the number of senior citizens will continue to grow rapidly, most institutions offering services for elderly people are characterized by inappropriate facilities, outdated equipment and work methods which do not correspond to the contemporary knowledge and best practices. This applies in particular to the disadvantaged regions in eastern Czech Republic, constituting the focus regions of the Swiss contribution. As a result, the social services delivered often do not respect appropriate standards and, thus, affect the quality of life of the residents of these institutions. The “Home for seniors Ohrada” in Vsetin is characterized by an outdated infrastructure which does not permit to provide social services of high quality to its residents.

The goal of the project is to provide a dignified environment for seniors by setting up a comprehensive system of high quality social care services. This shall be achieved by the provision of
a wide range of social activities for seniors, by the extension and reconstruction of the existing building as well as by introducing additional state-of-the-art work methods which will improve the care services delivered to individual residents.

• Seniors
• Social workers
• Families of the clients

The project will finance: (i): Construction of additional floor, water distribution and sewerage systems and repair of common sanitary facilities; (ii): Replacement of doors and windows in existing rooms, enlargement of canteen, construction of new common room; (iii): Employment of 1 qualified social worker and 1 methodologist who will introduce new methods of work; (iv): Organization of various social activities

Erreichte Resultate:  

• The accommodation quality was improved through an extension of the building and renovations. 17 rooms were modernized and 12 newly built, wheelchair accessibility was installed, areas for therapeutic and social activities were built and the capacity was increased from 36 to 46 beds.
• New methods of social care were introduced in order to improve the quality of life for seniors, such as basal stimulation, reminiscence and dance therapy. Six employees were trained in the new methods and the seniors were activated by the participation in the programs, which proved to be very popular.
• The good practice acquired during the implementation of the project was shared with other social care institutions in the Czech Republic such as a nursing school or a social care conference to inspire similar changes aimed at improving the quality of life for seniors in other institutions as well and contribute to the knowledge-exchange within the field.

Phase 1 01.06.2012 - 31.10.2016   (Completed)