Regarding the demographic trends of the Czech Republic and the whole of Europe, it is predicted that the number of senior citizens will continue to grow rapidly, thus leading to an increased demand in social services for this age group. At the same time, many institutions offering services for elderly people are characterized by inappropriate facilities, outdated equipment and work methods which do not correspond to the contemporary knowledge and best practices.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. The “St Wenceslas Charity House” has an outdated infrastructure which does not permit to provide social services of high quality to its clients.

The main aim of the project is to improve the quality of life of seniors by improving the quality of existing residential social services and introducing new methods of social work with seniors as well as with patients with Alzheimer’s disease. The projects specific objectives are: (i): to renovate and modernize the Charity house of St. Wenceslas (retirement house) and to reduce the number of beds per room, provide single rooms, install private facilities and provide rooms for patients with Alzheimer’s disease; (ii): to introduce new methods of social work with seniors both indoor and outdoor (educational, motivational, social, therapeutic activities); (iii): to build facilities for these activities and implementing relaxation-activation gardens;

• Seniors and Clients with Alzheimer’s disease
• Social workers
• Families of the clients

The project includes construction investments leading to more space and privacy for the elderly clients by increasing the number of 1 and 2-person bed rooms; improved therapeutic oriented rooms and administrative infrastructure. A relaxation-activation garden is created by reconstructing the area adjacent to the house. The constructed or renovated rooms and areas will be furnished. The activating programme for services users will be expanded and improved. It will include state-of-the-art therapy methods like garden therapy, memory training, relaxation techniques and physical therapy. A therapy specialist will train the current therapy workers in applying the new social work methods for one year.

Résultats obtenus:  

• The residential service has been upgraded to include barrier-free access to each room and facility for all 57 users; new elevator is in place, the rooms have been modernized as well as new rooms built, a therapeutical area and guest rooms were built as well.
• The garden of the house was revitalized and allows to stimulate the seniors and provide them with relaxation in the nature.
• New methods of social work were introduced such as garden and movement therapy, relaxation techniques and memory training, which improve the quality of life of seniors. 26 employees have been trained in those methods to provide a professional service and improved care.

Phase 1 01.04.2012 - 30.04.2017   (Completed)