Volunteers sought for Netwell Casala research project

NETWELLCASALA, the Research Centre for Ageing at DkIT, is running the Irish trials of a major EU project to improve the health and wellbeing of older people with multiple chronic health conditions.

The first phase of the 12 month trial has already commenced and the research team, based in Dundalk, are now looking to recruit additional people who are aged over 65 and who have been diagnosed with two or more of the following chronic conditions: diabetes, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), including emphysema or chronic bronchitis, heart failure or chronic heart disease (angina, high blood pressure, atherosclerosis, arrhythmia) to participate in the trial.

Up to five people in the care network supporting the older person (e.g. family member, informal carer and healthcare professionals) can also participate in the trial.

The project is called ProACT and it has the potential to vastly improve the healthcare being delivered to older people who have multiple chronic conditions, by putting them at the centre of their own care.

The researchers at Netwell-CASALA are interested to see how specially designed technology can support people in an everyday setting, to learn more about their health and to help them to manage their health conditions and overall wellbeing from home.

N0 I.T or computer knowledge or experience is necessary to volunteer to take part in the project.

If you, or someone you know, is over 65 and has two or more chronic conditions (diabetes, COPD, chronic heart failure or chronic heart disease) and has not been diagnosed with dementia, and are interested in volunteering please contact Suzanne Smith at Netwell-CASALA for more information on 0429370497 extension 2501 or email suzanne.smith@netwellcentre.org or go to www.dkit.ie/proact

A talk will be held in Dundalk library on (tomorrow) Wednesday May 2018 at 11am.