Who will look after me when I can no longer do it myself? And what should the end of my life look like? Many people ask themselves these questions. Often only when a crisis occurs. A new project in Dresden aims to change this.
"KOMPASS 70+", supported by the Volkssolidarität Dresden, has been running since January 2026. The Evangelische Hochschule Dresden (ehs) is providing scientific support for the project. The aim of the project partners is to enable older people to deal with the final phase of their lives in a self-determined manner at an early stage. This is not about bureaucracy or fear, but about dignity and self-determination.
The project offers advice and educational services that are easily accessible. In addition, forward-looking health planning is intended to help people record their own wishes at an early stage. It is carried out together with Volkssolidarität Dresden gGmbH and JOSUA Palliativzentrum Dresden GmbH. A palliative care center is a facility that accompanies and cares for seriously ill and dying people.
What science is investigating
Prof. Dr. Irén Horváth and Petra Gierer from ehs want to find out in parallel how the services work in practice - for older people, their families and the entire district. They are using conversations and observations as well as figures and surveys. The senior citizens themselves are therefore part of the research process. They are not only interviewed, but actively involved.
The results should ultimately provide concrete recommendations to ensure that successful services remain in place in the long term. Scientific publications are also planned to advance the social debate on a dignified end of life.
Networking as the key
"COMPASS 70+" does not just focus on individual advice. The project also aims to strengthen networks in the districts. It wants to connect people, facilities and services. Because a good life in old age rarely succeeds alone. The project is funded by the Lebendige Stadt Foundation. "Providing help has been Volkssolidarität's credo for over 80 years," says Christian Seifert, CEO of Volkssolidarität Dresden. "Our aim is to be the most innovative provider of neighborhood-related services in Dresden and beyond." In ehs and the foundation, two strong cooperation partners have been found for the project.
Further information:
Project website KOMPASS70+
Website of the scientific accompanying project of ehs
