Some older residents in Melbourne’s inner west will be given fitbits as part of an innovative program to help them stay healthy and living at home.
The program, operated by the Modern Medical Hobsons Bay clinic in Spotswood, is one of 10 new projects launched in the west to help older people be healthy, manage chronic disease, and stay out of hospitals and aged care homes.
Earlier this year medical clinics across Melbourne’s western suburbs were invited to design ways to help older people in their areas live well and safely at home while being supported to manage their own health and wellbeing
They are based in Hobsons Bay, Altona North, Sunshine West, Airport West, Hoppers Crossing, Williams Landing, Brunswick, Flemington and Sanctuary Lakes.
Each clinic will deliver a program geared towards its patients and neighbourhood, with no two alike.
Modern Medical Hobsons Bay is focused on using technology to help people stay healthy.
It will use smart watches, mobile phones and other fitness trackers, along with telehealth consultations, to help people stay active and make lifestyle changes to better manage their health and wellness.
The Our Medical Williams Landing medical centre will conduct three wellness clinics on site every week, where older locals can discuss their needs with two nurses, a care coordinator and a GP.
Utopia Refugee Asylum Seeker Health in Hoppers Crossing will be boosting the services it offers to its patients, most of whom have very few resources and have experienced significant trauma.
The clinic will offer face-to-face preventative health services in collaboration with a psychology service.
North Western Melbourne PHN chief executive Christopher Carter said at its best, health care responds to local needs and keeps people safe and well.
“The Early Interventions for Healthy Ageing program represents a great opportunity to tailor multidisciplinary care for older residents, and to boost the services and connections offered by medical providers in our region.”
