A well-known east Donegal woman has spoken about how her life changed for the better thanks to the Integrated Care Programme for Older People (ICPOP).
When Pat Floyd was discharged from hospital three years ago, she was told she would never walk unaided again. However, as some of our readers may know, Pat is back working at the club shop in Finn Park. Margaret Patton and herself are behind the success of the famous Finn Harps soup! Pat is also a sharp card and bingo player.
This week, she talks about her experience with the ICPOP, a team that helps older people with problems like falls, frailty, and memory issues. They work together to provide the support older people need to help maintain their independence and live well at home.
“I came out of hospital and couldn’t walk and was told I would never walk unaided again,” Pat explains.
“I was referred by Letterkenny University Hospital to the ICPOP team. They came twice every day, got me out of bed, showered and dressed. 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. They were brilliant.”
The team, she added, helped her perform exercises, resulting in her being able to stand up and be able to move about with the aid of 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.”
To hear Pat’s remarkable story, see the video below:
There are 30 ICPOP teams across Ireland. The teams include nurses, a physiotherapist, an occupational therapist, a speech and language therapist, a social worker and a dietician, under the governance of a consultant geriatrician. The Donegal team is small but growing.
Kayleigh Carlin is the Candidate Advanced Nurse Practitioner for ICPOP Donegal.
“I have witnessed first-hand the profound impact of our team’s intervention on service users,” Ms Carlin said.
“By providing personalised, holistic care, we are not only improving health outcomes but also enhancing the quality of life for older individuals. 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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