"Hic sunt leones" – here live lions – marked unexplored territories on old maps. For many informal caregivers, home becomes such a place when a loved one returns from the hospital or their health worsens. The Modrá skrinka project offers a simple yet systematic way not to get lost in this unfamiliar terrain.
Hic sunt leones: when home means uncharted territory
The first weeks after returning from the hospital are full of uncertainty for families and caregivers alike. The level of knowledge about the person's health condition, their needs, and the household itself is often uneven. Care concerns not only the person, but also the arrangement and safety of the environment in which they live.
Clear documentation and clear routines give care rhythm and certainty. A signed medical history, updated at least once every two months, sets responsibilities and facilitates communication within the family. Thanks to the care recipient's biography, daily activities can be targeted and grounded in what the person enjoys—from singing to listening to classical music.
Projekt Modrá skrinka: what it consists of
Modrá skrinka was created in 2015 within Mostov pomoci and builds on the authors' many years of healthcare experience. The organization collaborates with Komorou opatrovateliek Slovenska and, alongside a 220-hour course, also offers training in validation, first aid, and basal stimulation. Materials are also available in PDF, and the project is used in senior support packages.
The physical box contains a practical starter set: a first-aid kit, gloves, disinfectant, basic medicines for fever or diarrhea, a thermometer, a blood pressure monitor, a pulse oximeter, and aids according to individual needs. In many households these items are missing, yet in a crisis they determine a quick and calm response. The box thus combines practical equipment with clear procedures.
Plans, logs, and crisis situations: how it is used
The documentation section includes an emergency plan, a daily schedule, a nursing plan, a biography, a medical history, and a report for external facilities. There is also a logbook with records of blood pressure, glycemia, stool, and check-up dates, which provides an accessible overview of the care recipient's condition. In the event of a power or gas outage, a sudden transfer to the hospital, or a change in condition, everything is in one place.
Modrá skrinka also makes cover easier if the caregiver falls ill or goes on vacation: the new person continues the established habits, which is especially important in dementia. The plan takes favorite activities into account, supports validation, and reduces the stress of staff changes. The goal is also the digitization of 21 documents for quick searching and data entry; since approximately 80 % of long-term care takes place at home and seniors are more skilled with technology, it makes sense.
