REHACARE International - 12 to 15 October 2005

Europe's Rehabilitation and Care Market is presented in Düsseldorf.19/05/2005

An overview of innovations and further developments designed to make life easier for people with impairments, nursing needs and chronic illnesses will be offered by REHACARE 2005, the International Trade Fair for Those with Special Needs and Those Requiring Care, held in Düsseldorf, Germany, from 12 to 15 October. Almost 800 exhibitors from 30 countries are expected to take part at the event. Occupying six exhibition halls and a total of 70,000 square metres exhibition space, REHACARE 2005 will present assistive technologies as well as nursing aids and care services.

The market for rehabilitation and care products and services is gaining increasing importance in Europe. The reason being primarily the demography of ageing, Western industrialised nations. Our societies are ageing rapidly, inhabitants' life expectancy is growing and there is growing demand for a lifestyle in keeping with disabilities and old age. New assistive technologies and nursing concepts are required to cope with imminent problems.

REHACARE is perfectly set for this challenge. Under the heading "Disability knows no Borders" it has always mapped the international market of possibilities in a topical and comprehensive fashion. In 2004 35 % of exhibitors came from abroad. Top of the list of exhibiting countries were Great Britain, Taiwan, Denmark, The Netherlands and Italy. 6,000 international trade visitors used REHACARE as a source of information and products.

The signature of REHACARE is a unique and inimitable event concept combining the presentation of products and services with ample information and consulting opportunities. Professional associations, organisations and self-help groups who perform these informative and consultative tasks, account for one third of exhibitors. 120 conceptual sponsors are the "master minds" behind this event.

Grouping these ranges the trade fair addresses a broad-based target group of visitors combining high decision-making powers with high technical competence - international experts from rehabilitation institutions, nursing and nursing care, doctors' surgeries and laboratories, from paying bodies, industry, skilled crafts and specialised retailing, professional associations and procurement organisations.

Furthermore, the trade fair addresses people with disabilities and their dependants. 40 % of visitors belong to this group who decisively impact the market and are a key source of inspiration at the same time. After all, who better to assess the quality of assistive products, services and concepts than the people they are developed for?

Once again this year in Düsseldorf, the hallmark of the world's No. 1 trade fair for people with special needs, those requiring care and the chronically ill will be its theme parks. These will act as nexuses for information offerings that serve up a wealth of ideas and target group-specific solutions for trade visitors, end users and their families. In Hall 6, a focal topic will be spotlighted - the special needs of disabled children and their families.

There are also a host of innovations and stimulating ideas in store for the blind, visually impaired, deaf and hard of hearing. The innovative market for disabled-friendly vehicles will treat visitors to an exposé of the latest and greatest in things mobility at REHACARE's Hall 6. The topic of barrier-free living will also be taken up again this year. With its new special presentation "Fashion for people with special needs", REHACARE proves that functionality and comfort need not be polar opposites to style.

Tried-and-trusted features and focal topics, such as products and services covering all aspects of education, careers, travel, sports as well as the large-scale innovation showcase with its prizewinning products, also keep their places on the programme.

Those wishing to improve their knowledge will appreciate REHACARE's wide range of expert educational workshops and seminars.

REHACARE International 2005 will open its doors daily between 10.00 am and 6.00 pm from 12 to 14 October 2005, and between 10.00 am and 5.00 pm on Saturday, 15 October. Admission tickets cost EUR 11. Disabled persons pay EUR 6. Individuals escorting holders of disabled identity cards indicating the need for permanent accompaniment will be admitted free of charge.

For all the latest on REHACARE International 2005, please visit the Internet portal www.rehacare.de.


Düsseldorf, May 2005

Press Contact REHACARE International 2005:
Manuela Preinbergs
Tel.: +49-211/4560-542
Fax: +40-211/4560-87-542
E-Mail: PreinbergsM@messe-duesseldorf.de