The recent REHACARE 2023, International Trade Fair for Rehabilitation and Care, in Düsseldorf, Germany, sent a strong message about the importance of inclusion, participation, and digitalization in the healthcare sector. REHACARE brought together associations, self-help groups, affected individuals, and companies to discuss the future of the healthcare industry and to find innovative solutions for more inclusion, participation, and the financing of assistive devices.
More than 700 exhibitors from 37 countries presented their new innovations, ranging from barrier-free building and living, mobility and walking aids, to children’s aids. Also presented were advances in digitalization and robotics, which show considerable potential to revolutionize rehabilitation and care. Digital care assistance systems, telemedicine applications, nursing robots, smart nursing beds, and many other innovative products promise improved patient care, increased efficiency, and an overall improvement in quality of life.
More than 30,000 visitors from 83 countries attended REHACARE to explore the latest solutions in the healthcare sector.
“Due to the international participation, its innovation potential as well as the political significance and educational offerings, REHACARE makes a significant contribution to the international discussion on rehabilitation, care, inclusion, and accessibility. It promotes cooperation and contributes to improving the quality of life of people with disabilities,” explained Michael Degen, executive director of Messe Düsseldorf.
Hannes Niemann, project director of REHACARE, is pleased with the positive response from the community: “REHACARE 2023 not only presented innovations and products, but also set the course for a more inclusive future. We thank all visitors, exhibitors, and supporters who made this trade fair a success!”
A high proportion of visitors from medical supply stores and specialist retailers also attended REHACARE 2023 to make contact with manufacturers, experts, and other players in the sector. It also offers the opportunity to speak directly with end users, care and healthcare facilities to better understand their individual requirements. This is crucial in order to optimize the range of assistive devices and medical equipment and ensure that they can provide the best possible support.
Varied Program Ensures Know-How and Exchange Of Ideas
The TREFFPUNKT REHACARE in Hall 6 as well as the lecture program of the PRODUCTS & NEWS @ REHACARE forum in Hall 4 offered a wealth of inspiration as well as product innovations. Speakers such as committed inclusion activist and book author Raúl Krauthausen and motivational trainer Moritz Brückner inspired the audience with new material for thought and solutions. The importance of voluntary work was also highlighted by the presentation by Daniel Stumpe from the “Initiative Hallo Nachbar” (Hello Neighbor Initiative). The lecture program was rounded off by two theme days: In cooperation with Techniker Krankenkasse, lectures and discussions on digitalization in care took place on September 15. On September 16, the topic of travel was on the agenda: from an all-inclusive trip around the world to barrier-free travel.
The Future of Assistive Technologies and Inclusive Design
Another highlight at REHACARE was the CYBATHLON project, which highlighted the future of assistance technologies and inclusive design. At the CYBATHLON stand, international teams performed live demonstrations of innovative technologies for the challenges of everyday life. Visitors had the opportunity to try out technologies and learn about user-based research and development in the field of assistive technology. “We are very pleased to be present again at REHACARE 2023. The world’s largest trade fair for rehabilitation and care offers us a unique platform and we are proud to share the common vision of “self-determined living” at the trade fair,” said Annegret Kern, co-director of CYBATHLON.
Even More Action and Sports
At the Sports Center in Hall 7a, organized by the Disabled and Rehabilitation Sports Association of North Rhine-Westphalia (BRSNW), people with and without disabilities once again experienced the joy of inclusive sports. From sailing to para golfing to climbing and dancing, there were numerous opportunities to experience sports in their most inclusive form.
REHACARE 2023 was also a proud event partner of the Invictus Games this year and together with them successfully contributed to the promotion of topics such as inclusion and participation on an international level.
The next REHACARE staging will take place September 25–28, 2024 in Düsseldorf, Germany. For further information on visiting or exhibiting at REHACARE 2025, contact Messe Düsseldorf North America; Telephone: (312) 781-5180; E-mail: [email protected]; Visit www.rehacare.com and www.mdna.com
Featured image: REHACARE 2023 trade show. Photo: Messe Düsseldorf/ctillmann
