Security/ Stability/ Reforms
Regional Development

Seniors, disabled people
Social workers
Families of the clients

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At the same time, many institutions offering services for elderly people are characterized by inappropriate facilities, outdated equipment and work methods which do not correspond to the contemporary knowledge and best practices.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The “Saint Elisabeth Charity House” has an outdated infrastructure which does not permit to provide social services of high quality to its clients.

The main objective of the project is to provide elderly citizens and disabled people with appropriate individualized services and help them to become independent and self-sufficient for both ambulatory and resident clients.
The projects specific objectives are: (i): to expand the capacity of the day care centre; (ii): improved conditions and environment in the centre including changing the garden; (iii): to offer new personalized services for seniors - especially educational and motivational activities, social therapeutic activities and arranging social contacts; (iv): to offer improved residential services provided by the facility by eliminating triple rooms and providing single or double rooms.

The project will increase the capacity of the day centre by 50% (from 10 to 15 clients) by reconstruction of unused space in the building. A relaxation and stimulation garden will be created for the residents. The housing service will be improved by transformation of the triple bed rooms into single/double bed rooms and creation of new single/double bed rooms and the building of four new rooms. The activation and stimulation programme offered will be extended and improved. It will include gardening, memory training, relaxation techniques and physical therapy.

The expected results are:

Day centre

• Increased capacity of the day care centre by 5 beds
• Wheelchair access ensured 
• Sanitary facilities reconstructed 
• Relaxation and therapeutic rooms established

Relaxation Garden

• Relaxation and stimulation garden constructed

Residential service

• Elevator constructed
• 7 single rooms and 11 double rooms created

Extension of services

• new methods focusing on work with seniors introduced
• Individualized plans for each client updated
• client transportation services extended