Description
European statistics show that by 2025 more than 20% of Europeans will be over the age of 65, which is a significant health problem. The problem is also visible in Poland, which also has a high number of people suffering from various forms of dementia, including Alzheimer's disease. It is estimated that in the region Subcarpathian, dementia affects approximately 12 000 people, of which only 10% receives good medical care. The aim of the project is to improve the situation of those suffering from dementia and their families from the region Podkarpackie using Norwegian experience and promoting results of the project among the local community. Another target group is medical personnel invited to take part in a seminar visit in Norway and training sessions. The projects aims at the reconstruction and enlargement of the Nursing Welfare Department and at providing physical activities, therapeutic workshops and social education for elderly and chronically ill patients. Key elements also include: the purchase of equipment and accessories for the Nursing Welfare Department, training for medical staff and exchange of Polish-Norwegian experiences.
Summary of project results
The project entitled “Extension and alteration of building No. 10 ZOL for the needs of the elderly and the chronically ill in Górno” was to limit social inequality with regard to health by better tailoring of the health care services provided by the Górno Health Care Centre to the needs of the fast growing population of chronically ill, dependent and elderly people. The objective has been achieved through alternation and extension of the building and provision of complete technical infrastructure. The available space was increased to 2,198.8 m2, 290 new diagnostic and therapeutic devices provided and non-investment actions performed, including forums organised at the beginning and end of the project, educational activities among the target groups, scientific seminars and an international conference, among other things. Following the seminars and conferences information brochures were published for the youths, training provided to the carers of the elderly, and a guidebook published for the carers of patients with dementia. Support groups meetings were organised under the name “Sundays with Alzheimer” and a telephone service provided by a nurse and a psychologist. An important element were social lectures given to youths as well as therapeutic and artistic workshops and movement activities. Training for 103 staff members of the Health Care Centre was organised as well as qualification and speciality courses. The medical equipment purchased will enable the Centre to introduce new therapeutic methods for the patients. Also available is a website at:
www.alzheimergorno.pl and a virtual visit of the new building. By the closure of the project we will continue to provide telephone support service, hold the “Sundays with Alzheimer” meetings, and distribute the guidebooks and publications to the interested groups of stakeholders. The project fulfilled the program objectives by improving the quality of the provided services and removing social limitations as regards health.
Summary of bilateral results
Within the project an agreement was signed with a Norwegian partner to cooperate in the medical area, which resulted in professional contacts between the staff of the beneficiary and that of the partner. During the project there were organized two visits the staff of Górno Health Care Centre in Norway as well as the representative of NKS Olaviken gerontopsychiatric hospital visited Poland twice –the general aim was sharing experience and best pracise both medical institution. The Norwegian partner also gave lectures during international seminar on Alzeimer disease, which took place in Poland. Relating bilateral results the bilateral cooperation both outcome were achieved ie.: number of study visit and number of persons. All cost of the project were covered by the Beneficiary according to the partnership agreement, the partner did not participated directly in financial cost.