RDP project database
Schwester Monika - Disabled Access Bus
Summary
Located in “Osterzgebirge”, this project provided mobile care to the disabled or elderly in rural areas. The focus was on raising quality of life for people with special needs by providing travel arrangements and day-time activities in a van.
Video:
Background
Elderly, disabled or people in need of care are often excluded from social activities such as travelling, taking part in excursions and participating at events. "Schwester Monika" provided nursing and care services with mobile care and a small day care-facility. Active participation in social life and on travels leads to an increase of zest for life and eases the burden of caring relatives of the people in need. The enterprise is located in eastern Germany, in the so called "Osterzgebirge".
Objective
To improve quality of life of people with special needs was one of the main project objectives. Specific project objectives also included the development of special travel arrangements for those in need by providing medical care personnel during the trips.
Main activities
A modern coach with a hub lift for easy access was purchased in which wheelchair users could enter the bus with their own wheelchair or walking aids. Up to three wheelchairs fitted in the bus out of which one wheelchair for partly mobility impaired stayed on board and could be used for the time of the journey. Weekly trips to the health clinic in Altenberg for health checks were also organised, as well as multi-day tours specifically designed for people with special needs.
Results & Benefits
The travel offers the opportunity to join social life again and it was widely accepted and welcomed. The initially twice a month trips were extended up to several times a week and a bus driver and a tour-manager, who was informed about possible destinations and activities specifically designed for people with special needs, were employed,. A new service, "Attended Travels", was developed as a result of “Schwester Monika”, whereby new contacts within the nursing services were made.
Lessons learnt
The project "Attended Travels" is a quality extension of the nursing and care services provided under “Schwester Monika” and through networking and cooperation with different organisations the nursing services provided improved in terms of both quantity and quality.
Project location and other information
Municipality Schmiedeberg, Osterzgebirge, Saxony, Germany
Region
Sachsen
RDP Territory
Saxony
Total project cost (€)
285 600
EAFRD contribution (€)
13 500
National contribution (€)
5 500
Private contribution (€)
267 600
Project website
Contact name
Frank Komar
Telephone
+49 3504613104
Languages for contact
German
At a glance
Country
Germany
Final beneficiary type
Non-farm or non-forest entreprises
Budget range
€20 000 - €99 999
Start date:
01/03/2009
End Date:
01/03/2010
Theme / Measure:
Rural Quality of Life & Economic Diversification
Improving quality of life in rural areas
321. Basic services for the economy and rural population
Keywords:
Social exclusion, Social inclusion, Social services, Disadvantaged people, Transport
Last update
25/04/2012