NHS Dumfries and Galloway are partners in the mPower project, which uses digital interventions to enable elderly people in remote areas to live safely and independently in their own homes by introducing them to various health and wellbeing technologies.
Susan McKie is part of the region’s project team and said: “The team help people aged over 65 living with long-term health conditions and chronic illnesses to create wellbeing plans.
“The mPower team can signpost to relevant community support groups, befriending opportunities, self-help advice resources and provide access to digital interventions from the very outset. This means that measures that might be required to support the person can be put in place straight away, improving recovery time and enabling the person to stay at home independently and to best self-manage their condition.”
Digital interventions include text message medication and setting up video calls for health appointments via NHS Near Me. This reduces the need to travel and can help people to shield if required.
During the last few months staff have also been helping support people who were shielding through medication delivery and signposting.
Susan added: “Support was given for setting up shopping services, befriending services, medication collections and more using the large team of local Covid-19 volunteers.
“Support has been provided through regular check in calls and setting up services that may be required.”
She added: “I am very proud of the work the mPower team are doing, of their flexibility and adaptability and the tremendous impact that this is making for older people in our community at this time.”
For more information on how mPower can help you, visit https://dumfries-galloway.mpowerhealth.eu/
