REHACARE 2019: everyone comes together at the market of endless opportunities

Whether you are a professional, family member or a person with a disability – there’s something for everyone at REHACARE, the leading trade fair for rehabilitation, prevention, inclusion and care. Set to take place September 18 – 21, 2019, the doors of the exhibition halls in Düsseldorf will once again open to welcome anyone interested in auxiliary aids, innovations and expert information. Here is a brief glimpse of the highlights that await visitors of this year’s REHACARE.

Caregiving and digitization are two topics that are gaining importance in Germany. They come together at this year’s REHACARE. The renamed TREFFPUNKT REHACARE Forum takes place on Wednesday, September 18 and is dedicated to eCare. Among other things, the Forum highlights the opportunities of innovative digital applications in rehabilitation.

"The mobility of these digital devices makes more and better therapy time possible, not only at the clinic but especially at home and anywhere else," explains Georg Teufl, founder and CEO of Rewellio GmbH in our We asked...Interview. The Austrian company’s app is designed to make therapy easier for stroke patients by using virtual reality. On Wednesday, September 18, at 3:30 PM, the entrepreneur will take the stage and reveal how consumer electronics and digitization can promote stroke rehabilitation.

The RetroBrain R&D company also pursues a digital approach to rehabilitation with its MemoreBox. The gaming console can be used by post-stroke and dementia patients, as well as seniors without disabilities. In our interview, co-founder Manouchehr Shamsrizi describes RetroBrain’s approach, which maintains that rehabilitation and prevention "do not have to be grueling, boring and dreadful to maintain or regain your health - quite the contrary, it is more sustainable, productive and ethically desirable when staying healthy is fun." At 12:30 PM, Heiner Beckmann, Regional Managing Director of BARMER North Rhine-Westphalia delivers insights into the device’s development and implementation and highlights the first-time experiences by senior citizens and caregivers with the MemoreBox.

The Theme Day at the TREFFPUNKT (Hall 6, Booth G51) showcases the numerous other opportunities digitization offers for the rehabilitation and care industry. The event also highlights the risks and potential effects of eCare.

But even on the other days, it certainly pays off to stop at the TREFFPUNKT. Whether you are interested in careers, inclusion or auxiliary aids – this is where you can find all pertinent information. And when it comes to recreation, you might also be able to garner suggestions from the Forum – and discover where your next trip might take you.

Julia Marmulla has entered the world of publishing to offer people with disabilities a new resource related to accessible travel. With her magazine .Meine Reisewelt (English: My Travel World), the tourism expert wants to inspire and help people in their search for accessible travel options and services. The magazine is still brand-new but even though the first issue hit newsstands just in March of this year, Julia Marmulla has already received lots of feedback. "We noticed that people are very interested, which seems only logical as todays’ search for accessible travel options still proves very fragmented and tedious. The travel magazine - and people are well-aware of this – offers inspiration and support. The responses we received all share three common denominators: the joy of (finally!) having this type of magazine at their disposal, happiness over the diverse range of topics and the fact that people find inspiration in the magazine. I am especially excited about the latter!" The publisher hopes to see even more reactions and feedback in the future. "I am going on record to say that I welcome any comments, suggestions, and feedback! I want to know what our readers really like and address and incorporate it in future issues. I also encourage readers to tell us what they don’t like because we want to continuously improve the quality of the magazine. It's a magazine made for people - reader satisfaction is my benchmark."

In our interview, Julia Marmulla details the evolution of accessible tourism in recent years and talks about the road trip experiences she shared with Laura Gehlhaar.

Physiotherapy is another emphasis at REHACARE. Apart from the eCare Theme Day at the TREFFPUNKT, visitors can find a large number of exhibitors that specialize in the rehabilitation and physiotherapy sectors. Following the example of the caregiving sector, this year’s theme for rehabilitation and prevention aspects in these sector is digitization and gamification. Learn about the challenges and trends in this setting and meet some of the exhibitors in our video "Physiotherapy and rehabilitation today".

Technology is also the focal point of the M-Enabling-Forum Europe. After last year’s successful inaugural celebration, the second edition will once again take place alongside REHACARE. This time the event explores how digital and assistive technologies can help promote inclusion in the labor market. Trade fair visitors of the CCD South foyer can learn about the latest trends in accessibility at no extra charge.

Mobility has many different facets. From wheelchair power attachments to trikes and vehicle conversions – no matter what type of movement you are looking for, one of REHACARE’s 700 exhibitors will most certainly help find the right solution for you. Need a little inspiration? Check out our article.

Discover the latest product highlights from exhibitors in our new PRODUCTS & NEWS @REHACARE Forum – powered by MOBITIPP. Stop by in Hall 4, Booth H21 and find out about the latest industry news.

The example of Dergin Tokmak shows how a successful partnership between trade fair visitors and exhibitors originated at this trade fair. In 2012, the man from Augsburg stopped by REHACARE and met the Ossenberg company. The German manufacturer of forearm crutches, poles and orthopedic appliances made a few custom adaptations for Tokmak and designed the type of crutches the breakdancer needed to pursue his passion. "At first, we tried out several different crutches to see how they work because these were also uncharted waters for us. We had to make sure that the crutches support him and withstand the higher levels of pressure," Andreas Fritz, sales manager at Ossenberg GmbH explains the development process behind the custom-made crutches. Find out more about Dergin "Stix" Tokmak and this very special collaborative partnership in our video: Where the sticks are dancing - Dergin Tokmaks fabulous crutches.