To gain knowledge and improve the development of regional policy in the field of social care, the Vidzeme Planning Region (VPR) has joined the international project “Promoting Technical Standards for Assistive Technologies in European Social Care Services” (TechSocialcare). The project aims to enhance policy instruments in partner countries by supporting the development of unified technical standards for the use of assistive technologies and information and communication technologies (ICT) in the care sector.
From May 20 to 21, the first interregional event of the project took place in Prague, bringing together project partners from eight European countries. Alongside VPR, representatives from the National Rehabilitation Centre “Vaivari” and the deputy director of the care home “Valmiera” also participated in the event, representing stakeholders involved in the project – organizations that provide social care services in the region on a daily basis.
Lienīte Priedāja-Klepere, a representative of the Vidzeme Planning Region (VPR), introduced the “Vidzeme Planning Region Development Programme 2022–2027”. During her presentation, one of the programme’s priorities was highlighted: improving the quality of life for residents.
She also emphasized the region’s previous experience in the field of deinstitutionalisation, particularly through the implementation of the project “Vidzeme Includes”, which, even before this initiative, served as a foundation for building cooperation between the region, municipalities, and service providers.
The next part of the event program focused on exploring best practices in the Czech Republic. Partners and stakeholders listened to several expert presentations on the use of assistive technologies in social and healthcare, offering insights at both the policy and practical solution levels.
One example demonstrated how video games and telerehabilitation tools are being used in social care for individuals with various health conditions. The positive impact of such approaches was emphasized—particularly in boosting motivation for rehabilitation and improving indicators such as balance, cognitive abilities, and self-confidence.
On the second day of the exchange visit, participants visited care and technology centers. They toured the Smart Care center, where they learned about 24/7 remote care services, a compensatory assistive equipment rental system, and specialized therapy rooms.
At the TELMED assistive technology demonstration room, various technological solutions designed to support seniors in their daily lives were showcased. One such solution included sensors that monitor movement within the home without disrupting the user’s routine. Another was a smart device that reminds users to take their medications, performs health measurements, and provides access to entertainment and communication features.
A particular highlight was a social robot developed as an emotional support tool. The robot can talk, sing, dance, respond to human emotions, and monitor health indicators. Its purpose is not to replace caregivers but to offer a positive emotional experience, reduce loneliness, and help maintain cognitive abilities.
These examples demonstrated that technologies in social care are being used with the aim of strengthening individual independence, improving safety, and ensuring a dignified daily life—while also reducing the burden on the care system.
During the exchange, it was repeatedly emphasized that a well-thought-out and sustainable social and healthcare policy cannot be developed without a comprehensive perspective in which all involved parties are equally represented—residents, service recipients, care professionals, and policymakers alike.
Only by understanding the needs of each group and fostering close collaboration is it possible to build a care system that meets the needs and values of today’s society.
The next steps in the project will focus on exploring the local context. The aim is to identify the main needs and challenges in the field of social care within the Vidzeme Planning Region, with particular attention to the use of assistive technologies and information and communication technologies.
This research will include both policy document analysis and close cooperation with industry professionals and service providers in order to identify specific areas for improvement.
