Short stay service offering elderly alternative to hospital after illness

A NEW short stay service in Moy is offering older patients the chance to regain independence from illness or injury in a residential setting, avoiding the need for a hospital stay.

The Roxborough House service is designed to provide an alternative to hospital care for those patients who are medically well but would benefit from a period of support from care staff, physiotherapists, occupational therapists or social workers.

The Southern Trust’s acting director for older people, Melanie McClements, said: “We want to support our older people to remain as independent as possible within the community and, wherever we can, avoid a hospital or nursing home admission.

“We recognise that whilst many older people may not be acutely ill, they might need some support following illness or injury to help them fully recover.

“We also need to make sure that our acute hospital beds are prioritised for those who need them most, so this short stay solution offers those who are medically well, a more homely setting to bridge the gap between their hospital stay and being able to manage again at home.”

The service, which is already running in Cloughreagh House outside Newry, offers up to two weeks support following a hospital admission or emergency department attendance.