Düsseldorf, 16 September 2023 - The international trade fair for rehabilitation and care REHACARE, which took place in Düsseldorf from 13 to 16 September, came to a successful close today, leaving a strong signal for inclusion, participation and digitalization in the healthcare market. REHACARE brings together associations, self-help groups, people affected and companies to discuss the future of the healthcare industry and to find innovative solutions for more inclusion, participation and the financing of aids.
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 the advances in digitalization and robotics, which show considerable potential to revolutionize rehabilitation and care. Digital nursing assistance systems, telemedicine applications, nursing robots, smart nursing beds, and many other innovative products promise improved patient care, efficiency improvements and an overall increase in quality of life.
The size and importance of REHACARE enabled exhibiting companies to present their latest products and technologies to a wide audience of professionals and interested parties. More than 30,000 visitors met in the aisles of the exhibition halls.
"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," explains Michael Degen, Executive Director of Messe Düsseldorf. Exhibitors are also convinced of the importance and relevance of the international trade fair for their business. "REHACARE is one of the most important trade fairs for us. Due to its increasing internationalization, we see great opportunities to successfully present our innovations on important, international key markets as well," explains Thomas Rosner, founder and Managing founder and Managing Director of HomeBraceGermany.
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 fair a success!"
A high proportion of visitors from medical supply stores and specialist retailers also visited REHACARE, as it represents an indispensable forum for the trade 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 health facilities to better understand their individual requirements. This is crucial to optimise the range of assistive devices and medical equipment and ensure that they can provide the best possible support.
Varied programme ensures know-how and exchange of ideas
The TREFFPUNKT REHACARE in Hall 6 as well as the lecture programme of the PRODUCTS & NEWS @ REHACARE forum in Hall 4 offered a wealth of inspiration as well as product innovations. Speakers such as the committed inclusion activist and book author Raúl Krauthausen and the motivational trainer Moritz Brückner inspired the audience with new material for thought and solutions. The importance of voluntary work was also highlighted by the moving presentation by Daniel Stumpe from the "Initiative Hallo Nachbar" .
The lecture programme was completed this year by two theme days: In cooperation with Techniker Krankenkasse, lectures and discussions on digitalisation 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 of the fair 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 fair," said Annegret Kern, Co-Director of CYBATHLON.
Even more action and sport
At the Sport Center in Hall 7a, organised 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 paragolfing to climbing and dancing, there were numerous opportunities to experience sport in its 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 2024 will take place from 25 to 28 September.
