Novia’s Use of an Age Simulation Suit Recognized in National Care Innovation Competition
Michaela Jalava, Senior Lecturer in health and welfare at Novia University of Applied Sciences, is one of the winners of the national innovation competition Huomisen hoiva (Tomorrow’s Care Work), organized by the Finnish Institute of Occupational Health as part of the Carefuture project.
Jalava received the award for her description of how she uses the GERT simulation suit in training scenarios for healthcare students.
The award was presented at a gala event in Helsinki on 17 September. Out of approximately 150 competition entries, 36 winners were selected.
At Novia, the GERT suit is used in the nursing and social services degree programmes to create realistic simulations of how various illnesses and reduced functional abilities can affect the everyday lives of older adults. The suit recreates, among other things, balance difficulties, reduced mobility, tremors, pain, and six different eye conditions. Through these simulations, students gain first-hand experience of the challenges many older people face in their daily lives.
Reflection and Learning Are the True Innovation
Michaela Jalava, who teaches within the health and welfare programme, entered the use of the suit into the competition because the teaching approach she has developed helps strengthen students’ empathy and understanding of elderly care.
“Research shows that we need to foster positive attitudes and empathy towards elderly care among students. I wanted to find ways to make geriatric care simulations as engaging and attractive as clinical simulations.”
She emphasizes that the award is not about the suit itself, but rather about the way it is used to promote learning, reflection, and deeper understanding among both students and professionals.
“Students who have tried the suit report a greater understanding of balance problems, visual and hearing impairments, and reduced muscle strength, all of which are common challenges among older adults. Staff members at residential care homes who have participated in the simulations also describe increased patience and a better understanding of older people’s daily lives,” says Jalava.
The approach has also made elderly care simulations more engaging and appealing to Novia students.
Student Emma Pyykkönen (left) and Hasha Pulkkinen try out the GERT suit. Together with Sanna Dannström, they wrote their thesis on the GERT suit, with Michaela Jalava serving as their supervisor.
A Tool for Greater Understanding
Novia acquired the GERT suit in 2025, and according to Jalava, only a few such suits are available in Finland. Internationally, however, the suit is used more widely, including in Sweden.
“Having access to a GERT suit allows us to further develop students’ understanding of the situation of older people. Elderly care is complex and requires specialized expertise. The suit is one of several tools that help us improve the quality of education and strengthen interest in the sector.”
The GERT suit is used in the course Gerontological Nursing Care within the nursing programme, as well as in elderly care courses within the social services programme.
Read more about the competition here.
Main image: Winners of the Tomorrow’s Care Work competition. Michaela Jalava is sixth from the left. Photo: Juha Seila.
For more information, please contact
- Novia UAS, Senior Lecurer Michaela Jalava, michaela.jalava@novia.fi, +358 50 465 3830