A DONEGAL woman, who was told she would never walk unaided, has praised the work of the Donegal Integrated Care Programme for Older People.
When Pat Floyd came out of hospital and couldn’t walk, she was referred by Letterkenny University Hospital to the ICPOP team.
The ICPOP is a team that helps older people with problems like falls, frailty and memory issues.
Working to support older people so they can maintain their independence and live well at home, the team began visiting Pat twice every day.
“They got me out of bed, showered and dressed,” Pat said.
“They did all the Physio.
“They were so good.
“I couldn’t have done without them.
“I wouldn’t be here today walking on my own if it hadn’t been for them.”
The ICPOP team carries out a comprehensive assessment to understand the older person’s health conditions, functional capacity and social circumstance.
Based on this, the team work with the older person to create a care plan to help improve health and well-being, and set goals based on what the patient wants and needs.
The team works with the older person and their family to achieve these goals.
“The team were brilliant,” Pat continued.
“They did a lot of exercise, and they got me that I was able to stand up and from there I was able to move on a rollator.
“And finally, I was able to walk with their help and eventually I was walking on my own.
“I have such a good quality of life now.
“I am able to go to Mass, drive my car, go to my football and go to play cards and different things.
“My whole lifestyle has changed.”
The Candidate Advanced Nurse Practitioner for ICPOP Donegal, Kayleigh Carlin said she has witnessed first-hand the profound impact of the team’s intervention on service users.
“By providing personalised, holistic care, we are not only improving health outcomes but also enhancing the quality of life for older individuals,” Kayleigh said.
“Through coordinated support across healthcare services, we ensure that each service user receives the right care at the right time, empowering them to live more independently and with dignity.
“Our approach fosters stronger relationships between patients, their families and healthcare professionals, ultimately leading to better health, greater satisfaction and reduced hospital admissions.”
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