Write a commentA short stay service from Cloughreagh House, outside Newry is offering older patients the chance to regain independence from illness or injury in a residential setting, avoiding the need for a hospital stay.
The service is designed to provide an alternative to hospital care for those patients who are medically well but would benefit from a period of support from care staff, physiotherapists, occupational therapists or social workers.
One year on since it was set up the service is having a great response from service users and carers. One clients said: “This could not have been done better, the highest standards of care were delivered by a very supportive team.”
Acting Director of Older People and Primary Care for the Trust, Melanie McClements explains “We want to support our older people to remain as independent as possible within the community and wherever we can, avoid a hospital or nursing home admission. We recognise that whilst many older people may not be acutely ill, they might need some level of support following illness or injury, to help them fully recover.
“We also need to make sure that our acute hospital beds are prioritised for those who need them most, so this short stay solution offers those who are medically well, a more homely setting to bridge the gap between their hospital stay and being able to manage again at home.”
Building on the success of Cloughreagh the service is now also available from Roxborough House, The Moy - offering those older people who are suitable, up to two weeks support following a hospital admission or Emergency Department attendance.
The team work with each older person and their family to develop a plan including physical and social activities to help them reach their own maximum level of independence.
