Anneli Rasu Estonian project coordinator Tallinn

VIRTU PROJECT VIRTU – Virtual Elderly Care Services on the Baltic Islands Duration 5/ /2013 Budget appr. 2,2 million € Lead partner: Turku University of Applied Sciences, Finland Co-operation partners: Novia University of Applied Sciences, Finland (Turku) Laurea University of Applied Sciences, Finland (Vantaa) Åland University of Applied Sciences, Åland (Mariehamn) Saaremaa Development Centre, Estonia (Kuressaare) Foundation Tuuru, Estonia (Kärdla) Co-operation municipalities: Sipoo, Naantali, Länsi-Turunmaa & Kemiönsaari (Finland), Eckerö, Brändö & Sottunga (Åland), Kuressaare, Lümanda, Kärdla, Kärla, Orissaare, Ruhnu, Leisi, Kaarma (Estonia) Project is financed by Interreg IVA Central Baltic -programme

VIRTU PROJECT

IDEA OF THE PROJECT Is to improve the elderly people’s standard of living and support the healthy, safe, and socially rich living at home instead of hospitalization. Is to test and develop virtual services for the benefit of Social- and Health Care with the Elderly The aim of the new service model is to improve and give support to the current services, not to replace them

TECHNOLOGY VIRTU device is a touch-screen computer The software runs on the same principle as video conferencing systems Visual and voice contact with multiple persons at the same time Easy to use The VIRTU device doesn’t require anything else from the client other than a data connection (internet) and an appropriate location for the device At the moment ~70 users in the archipelago of Finland, Åland and Estonia Technology provider is Videra Oy.

WHAT IS CONCRETELY DONE? Teijo Pöyhönen is sending music programme from VIRTU- studio in Turku, Finland. Elderly people are participating.

Elvi Paavanen is discussing with home care nurse in her home in Velkua, Naantali, Finland

Home care workers can take contact to their clients with VIRTU device.

WHAT IS CONCRETLY DONE? Point-to-point connection between homecare personnel, family – virtual home visits Group activities - physical excercises, memory game, panel discussions on the topic which is interesting for the clients (politics) – what is actual in the society (strike of teachers), familiarizing new literature, about social supports of state and municipality, medicine - sleep disorder, herbs, accupuncture NEXT – doctors are going to visit VIRTU twice in a month

CONVERSATIONS WITH FAMILY MEMBERS

SECURITY ASPECT 24/7 help and support button Tight contact with social worker and/or family member

SUITABLE CLIENT PROFILE At first we focused on needs – socially isolated, far from centers living, elderly or handycap people, homebound family care takers... BUT First condition is positive attitude Young at heart, ready to trying new things! Willing and ready to communicate. People are exciting! Having patience - by testing a new thing, there are problems sometimes During the pilot project installation of device and using is without charge, but device uses some electricity Choosing clients is made by collaboration with local municipalities social workers. Connectability with the Internet is crucial.

IMPORTANCE OF THE VIRTU PROJECT To develop new social care services are new tools and methods needed. By the testing new technology the survey is going on. Everybody who is in contact with the project will be the obcject of the research – clients, social workers, group activities leaders, quests, decision makers... The result of the survey are several facts - are the services under development useful and needed or what should be done differently. Facts are the basis for politicans and/or businesses, who are going to support continuous development.

If used correctly telehealth can deliver: 15% reduction in A&E visits 20% reduction in emergency admissions 14% reduction in elective admissions 14% reduction in bed days 8% reduction in tariff costs 45% reduction in mortality rates Strategic Intelligence Monitor on Personal Health Systems 2 (SIMPHS 2) country study – Estonia Whole System Demonstrator Programme Headline Findings – December 2011 randomised control trial of telehealth and telecare 6191 patients and 238 GP practices in Newham, Kent and Cornwall for patients with diabetes, heart failure and COPD SOME RESULTS

MORE INFORMATION (information available in Estonian, Finnish, Swedish and English) Project Manager Heidi Tuominen, tel , Technology Expert Mika Arvola, tel , Estonian coordinator Anneli Rasu, tel

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