Programme: Laois, Offaly
WHO Theme: Communication and Information
Cost: 10000+
Status: Completed
Description
Under the HSE Integrated Care Programme for Older People (ICPOP) a group was established called the Living Well at Home Group. Following consultation with older people (n=125) living in the midlands it was decided that a directory of health and social care services was required. The directory necessitated consultation HSE health services, as well as voluntary and community groups. Older people also stated they wanted the directory in print version. The project was led by ICPOP, service user engagement officer and health and wellbeing in the HSE. Further consultations with older people informed the content and design of the directory. The Laois/Offaly directory was completed in January 2024. The design and layout of the Laois Offaly directory forms the template for the Longford/Westmeath directory which is nearing completion.
Aim of Initiative
The aim of the initiative is to provide older people with information that will keep them well at home. The Directory aims to provide older people and their families with information to health services, which they can access if they need a service. Timely intervention prevents hospital admission and the directory lists contact details for health services. The Directory also provides details of social supports such as the social prescriber, ALONE, Active Retirement Groups and local sports partnerships as well as other services in their region.
Who is it aimed at
The Directory is aimed at older people and their families, carers, friends.
3 Steps critical to success
- Identify the need based on consultation with older people
- Leadership to drive and progress the project
- Administrative support (Karen Nolan and Stephanie Barry) to collate, check, re-check and validate the content
3 Challenges in Planning / Delivery
- Buy-in from senior management team to print copies; however, consultation with older people convinced them of need for same
- Time consuming to gather and validate a lot of information from services and organisations
- Services change and the directory needs constant updating
3 Outcomes / Benefits
- Over 9,000 copies of the directory have been distributed to older people across Laois and Offaly
- Health and social care professionals use the directory to sign post people to services and supports (health and social)
- Scaled up and spread to Longford/Westmeath and their directory will be complete by July 2024