The lead partner of the project “ElderGuardian” (project number LL-00206), Klaipeda University, successfully hosted the official project kick-off meeting on June 2, 2025, in Klaipeda. The event marked the beginning of a cross-border collaboration focused on enhancing fall prevention strategies for elderly individuals in long-term care facilities.
Colleagues from care homes in the cities of Ventspils and Klaipeda, accompanied by their respective municipal representatives, actively contributed to the meeting by sharing firsthand experiences from their work with seniors. They provided practical insights into the challenges faced in preventing falls among elderly residents, particularly those with varying levels of mobility, cognitive decline, or complex health conditions. The presentations shed light on the different working environments and institutional practices that influence fall risks in care homes.
A central theme throughout the discussions was the urgent need for improved monitoring systems, staff training, and environmental adaptations to reduce the incidence of falls. Participants emphasized the importance of proactive approaches, including the early identification of fall risks, the integration of assistive technologies, and improved coordination between carers and medical staff.
The kick-off meeting served as a platform for identifying key priorities within the ElderGuardian project, especially the development and testing of practical, scalable solutions that can be implemented across different care home settings. The exchange of knowledge and best practices underscored the shared commitment of all partners to protect the dignity, safety, and well-being of seniors through effective fall prevention measures.