healthy and active ageing - EuroHealthNet's Healthy Ageing Website

4. Assisting Carers using Telematics Interventions
to meet Older persons’ Needs (ACTION)
Providing support and information to older people and their carers through telephone
technology
ACTION was a three- year European project from 1997 that aimed to maintain or enhance the autonomy,
independence and quality of life for frail older and disabled people and their family carers by giving
better information, advice and support in the home. This was made possible by combining familiar
equipment with modern information and communication technology. Both family and professional
carers were involved at all stages of the development and decision making process to ensure that the
project was user driven and user friendly. The project attempted to explore the invisible nature and
associated problems of family care in a cross-cultural manner.
More information is available at:
http://www.dinf.ne.jp/doc/english/Us_Eu/conf/tide98/57/magnusson_daly.html
5. Support Plan for Caregivers in the Andalusian Health Service
Relieving and assisting informal carers by targeting services to meet their needs
The plan for caregivers was implemented in 2005 by the Andalusian Health Service, and is mainly
targeted at women between 55 and 65, who are the typical informal caregivers, and who face higher
risks of physical and mental health burdens. It includes a need assessment of the target group, and
adoption of more tailored health services aimed at relieving the burden of the informal caregivers.
Complementary components include workshops, where the women can exchange stories, receive
emotional support and build a social network with people in similar situations, as well as the provision
of support materials to be used in the home.
Examples of Good Practice and Policies Submitted for Inclusion in EU Compass on Mental Health and
Well-being can be found at:
http://www.juntadeandalucia.es/servicioandaluzdesalud/principal/default_en.asp?version=En
http://www.ec-mental-health-process.net/memberstates.html
6. AGNES
User-sensitive home-based systems for successful ageing in a networked society
Co-funded by the EC AAL Joint Programme, the AGNES is developing ICT innovations to enhance the
mental and physical wellbeing of older people by encouraging them to respond actively to physical,
social and cognitive stimulation. It supports formal and informal carers, friends and family members
by providing greater access to information about the person, even at a distance. It thus enables
informal carers to know when they need to respond to an older person’s needs and better manage
their workload.
More information is available at:
www.aal-europe.eu/calls/funded-projects-call-1/agnes
7. Life After Care
Support training for family carers
The Life After Care partnership brings together organisations involved in training, support and
advocacy of family carers to address the issues faced after they have ceased in their caring roles. It
aims to strengthen local and national strategies concerning informal training of former family carers to
help their reintegration into society after they have ceased in their caring role.
More information is available at:
www.lifeaftercare.eu
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