Recently our organization, Pannon Business Network, had the opportunity to participate in launching a new concept in Hungary – home care for elderly people. This is a good example of how ICT can help create a human environment for people, and create new jobs at the same time.
As its population ages, Hungary faces the twin challenges of increasing cost of health-care, and the reduced ability of elderly people to pay for it. This financial phenomenon has only accelerated with the financial crisis, as described in this article in Somogyi Hirlap (the article is Hungarian).
In partnership with the county municipality and the hospital, we’re running a pilot programme which addresses the needs of older people who wish stay in their homes, as well as the shortage of nursing staff and hospital funding. Older people will be equipped with sensors for monitoring their physiological parameters. All data are transmitted to a central help desk, monitored by retired nurses who live nearby. Compensation of the nurses is cost efficient, they are motivated.
All actions and orders are registered in a shared service centre. This enables the creation of new services, such as prescription drug ordering and laundry service.
The programmes described above fit in perfectly with the National Health Development Programme (PDF). If anybody is interested in joining us in these initiatives, we warmly welcome partners.
