Successful Eurocarers’ Study Visit on ICT-based solutions for carers last 12 September in Brussels.
This event brought together 28 participants from 14 countries for a fascinating day of exchange of experience and discussion. It was very well appreciated by participants.
The Study Visit provided an opportunity for Eurocarers’ members to learn from each other, and take stock of our network’s knowledge and experience, which is particularly useful in this area where innovative practices are not always documented in detail given the endemic lack of resources. Thirteen initiatives and projects were presented in total.
Also, the event aimed to ensure Eurocarers’ involvement as a network in relevant EU projects building on our members’ expertise. In particular, two sessions focused on the CARE4DEM project, aimed at developing a model of web-based mutual aid groups for informal carers.
In addition, a panel discussion was organised with Birgit Morlion, Programme Officer at the European Commission (DG CONNECT, eHealth, Well-being and Ageing), Silas Olsson, Director of the ‘Health Access’ consultancy (Sweden) and Dorota Sienkiewicz, Policy Coordinator at EuroHealthNet. The lack of digital health literacy, the difficulties of scaling up promising innovations, and the role of public authorities were considered as key challenges. Potential opportunities for advocacy and support were identified at EU level.
To conclude the day, participants spent a last session on drawing common conclusions and laying the ground for future joint initiatives, aimed at ensuring that informal carers take an active role in this crucial as well as rapidly evolving area. “You would not build a fire station without firemen; you shouldn’t design ICT-based solutions without carers” said Sebastian Fisher, summarizing Eurocarers’ approach.
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