contents

europe
 
Altenpflege+propflege-09: The Future Of The Care Market At A Glance

The European get-together for the care sector was held again in Nürnberg from 24-26 March 2009. Altenpflege+ProPflege, which took place for the 20th time, once again presented the leading exhibition for some 34,500 decision-makers and care staff. The six halls were filled by about 720 international exhibitors, who presented innovative products and services from all care segments. The annual highlight for the care sector was rounded off with highly topical congresses, forums for the various occupational groups and a varied supporting programme.

Ideas and concepts for the future of care were a special focus again in 2009. The organizers, Vincentz Network and NürnbergMesse, were satisfied with the results, which confirmed that the exhibition is a "must event" for everyone wishing to influence the future of the care industry, particularly in the currently difficult economic situation.

Satisfied comments from exhibitors as well
"We are extremely satisfied. Our expectations were exceeded on the very first day, " says Christian Städtler of Medifox. Alexander Vögele, Hiller Objektmöbel, also confirmed the positive result of the exhibition: "We noticed slightly less quantity in 2009, but distinctly better quality."

Günther Heil, Diakonie Neuendettelsau, is convinced that the elderly care market is largely unaffected by the economic crisis: "We had an extremely good response and many intensive talks." Iris Christiansen, Dan Produkte, mainly mentioned the appreciably larger number of decision-makers in her summing up: "Many more decision-makers from providers came to our stand than two years ago."

The newly implemented job market received lots of praise. Georg Sigl, Pichlmayer, was pleased with the many inquiries from care assistants to home managers and expects a lot from the many talks.

Bavaria's Social Affairs Minister visits exhibition
Christine Haderthauer, Bavarian Minister of Employment, Social Affairs, Family and Women, expressed her delight at the innovative solutions and the versatility of the products after visiting the exhibition. Ms Haderthauer also warned that more importance should generally be attached to working for people. "People who work on a building site or production line earn more money than those working in the care sector. What is working for people worth to us?" Ultimately, everyone should be prepared to pay more. This is also an answer to the shortage of skilled staff in the sector.

Presentation of awards at the exhibition
The "Old People's Home Future Award 2009" organized by the magazine Altenheim for the first time went to the "CBT Emmaus Residence" in Bonn. This home has set itself the target of providing better care for residents in their last phase of life and has introduced an integrated hospice concept.

The "Altenpflege Award 2009" presented by the magazine Altenpflege went to the care team of the "St. Markus" old people's centre in Hamburg. The team received the award worth 5,000 euros for their project for the development of a pain management system.

The care market in figures
There are currently over 2.25 million people in need of care in Germany. This figure will almost double by 2050 according to information from the German Economic Research Institute. In the same period, the number of full-time employees in the care sector is to treble to up to 1.6 million, which covers care management, highly qualified care personnel, registered care staff and care assistants. This demand exceeds the number of new registered staff available in the future.

Note the date!
The next Altenpflege – The leading exhibition for the care sector – takes place on the Hanover exhibition grounds from 23-25 March 2010.



write your comments about the article :: © 2009 Exhibition News :: home page