A RESIDENT of a Mauchline sheltered housing facility has again praised technology which allows him to make health checks without leaving his home.

The priase comes as East Ayrshire Council reveal that proportionately more older people in East Ayrshire are being supported at home rather than in care settings, as part of East Ayrshire Council’s commitment to support older people to live independently in the community.

A wide range of support services is available for older people through the Reshaping Care for Older People programme, recognising that not everyone requires direct social care services, and these are delivered by the Council in partnership with local communities, the voluntary sector and the NHS.

The Falls Prevention Scheme, for example, has been hugely successful, resulting in a six per cent reduction in the number of people attending A&E as a result of a fall during 2013/14.

The progressive development of Smart Supports, linked to the 24hour support service, uses innovative technology to help people live as independently as possible in a homely environment, and there has been a six per cent increase in uptake of the system over the past year.

For Ellisland Court resident, Robert “Nicky” Nicholas, the benefit is already apparent.

He said: “I’m really pleased to have this pod here. At Ellisland Court we already have exercise classes and weight monitoring clinics which are open to the local community so we’re used to taking some responsibility for and working to keep healthy, but this is a great idea. It’s easy to use and I can now just pop in and check my weight, blood pressure or anything which my doctor thinks I need. The results go to the practice and they can pick up any problems.

“For me it means I don’t have to make appointments for routine checks and take up surgery time which could be used by others. It’s here on my doorstep and I can use it whenever necessary. For people who are less mobile and have difficulty getting out and about it will be a godsend.” The Council’s Vibrant Communities team and the Volunteer Centre successfully delivered a range of intergenerational programmes during 2013/14, in partnership with local schools, strengthening links in the community between young people and older people.

Speaking at Cabinet last Wednesday, Council Leader, Douglas Reid said: “It’s encouraging to see that many of our elderly residents are now able to live in their own communities for longer, thanks to the range of care and support mechanisms now on offer.

“Our residents are reassured in the knowledge that a choice of support and assistance is available, no matter what level of care they require. Most people want to stay in their own home and receive care in a comfortable homely environment, but for those who do require extra help, the Integrated Rehabilitation and Enablement Service will deliver personalised interventions to maintain independent living.”