Elderly people benefit from scheme

UP to 60 elderly people have already benefitted from a new pilot project based in Poleglass.

The unique scheme, the Colin Neighbourhood Health Check which is based at Cloona House, has been going for the past three months and is run by the South Eastern Health and Social Care Trust.

It helps monitor the health of older people in the area.

As a result of the scheme several of its clients have been referred to GPs, social care, housing executive, befriending, benefits checks, Good Morning Colin, transport schemes, citizen advice services, social groups and falls preventions,

The idea came about from the Transforming Your Care proposals set out by Health Minister Edwin Poots that promotes healthy ageing, helping people to retain independence and live in secure, safe neighbourhoods.

Two years ago, during the very severe weather, the board realised there were a lot of old people out there who were unknown to the trust but who suddenly became vulnerable in the bad weather.

A health check is carried out by the nurse who can then refer them on if health problems are detected, or signpost them to services - such as to help them stop smoking.

The nurse also provide links to community and social groups eg walking, befriending schemes or dance classes and also the links to social services. One man just got a new bathroom recently thanks to the scheme.

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