Lectures and sightseeing

1 Development and innovation in welfare services. Lecture.
2 PBS – Positive Behaviour Support. Lecture.
3 Solution-based approach, assistance toward self-help. Lecture.
4 Social activities for the elderly. Lecture.
5 Service for the elderly. Lecture and visit.

The City of Reykjavík wants to increase its awareness of citizens’ needs. By increased knowledge of the needs of citizens, the policy makers in the welfare sector are better equipped to enhance quality of life for the benefit of all Reykjavík citizens. Active participation in welfare debate and various development projects, followed up with research and surveys, is an important part in innovation and development.

Many methods are used in Reykjavík to ensure that all city citizens can make the most of their abilities. Positive behaviour support, or PBS, is a comprehensive procedure which consists of simple and systematic methods which increase the likelihood of desirable behaviour. At the same time, efforts are made to fight tendencies to focus on undesirable behaviour and punishment.

A solution-based approach is an influential, effective and a tried and tested way to encourage positive changes in individuals and groups. By using this approach, the often-unsuccessful search for the root of problems is abandoned and the course set directly toward the solution. Research has shown that this approach provides people with a better life and increases confidence and the belief in personal influence sooner than other methods. Social activities for the elderly are in constant development, and the aim is to prevent and decrease the social isolation of many elderly citizens in Reykjavík, to create an environment where most people can find an appropriate forum and to encourage the initiative of participants in social activities and independent actions.

Over the past few years, The City of Reykjavík has emphasised the importance of integrated services for the elderly who are assisted to live in their own homes for as long as possible. Integration of home-help and home-nursing, provided by the state on the one hand and the municipality on the other, is an important milestone on the road to building a coherent and integrated service for the elderly, tailored to individual needs.