CompAAL: Developing qualification profiles for jobs in Ambient-Assisted Living, LLL Subprogramme Leonardo da Vinci, multilateral
No 2011 – 5052/001 – 001
Rationales of this project are the demographic change and the resulting increasing demand for geriatric care on the one hand, as well as the increasing individualisation of society on the other hand. Concepts of ambient-assisted living (AAL) have been developed in several European countries during the last decade and include concepts, products and services aiming at connecting technology and social needs with the goal to increase quality and length of independant living for elderly. Ever since ambient assisted living is not only an issue of technological research and development but a rapidly growing economic sector creating new jobs. The complexity of all the useful innovations in the field of AAL need professionals who know how to incorporate, install, service, and use those devices. Currently, there are no specific further vocational trainings available in European countries related to the use and development of ambient-assisted living systems and tools. It is high time to build a bridge between the technical developments and the actual use in the everyday living of the elderly who choose to stay at home rather than moving into nursing homes. A set of new qualifications and skills profiles for these new challenges relevant to employees from various backgrounds, for example architects building AAL compatible homes, staff of ambulatory home care, or IT experts or technicians willing to specialise in AAL technology is therefore necessary.
In the frame of the implementation of the CompAAL project the first coordination meeting was held on the 6th February in Heidelberg, Germany. The meeting was hosted by the coordinating organization iAQ Institut für Assistenzsysteme und Qualifizierung an der SRH-Hochschule Heidelberg e.V. 11 partners from 10 European countries will implement the project activities. The presentation of many organizations and the face to face meeting were interesting and of great importance for the establishing of a motivated project team, for elaborating of proper time schedule and the further achievement of project objectives and results. The participants of the meeting discussed the work program during the next six months and fixed deadlines for completion of activities, financial and administrative rules.