Mitchelstown chosen for pilot scheme
HAVING been chosen as a pilot town for a programme seeking to improve the resilience of this county’s older population, the outcomes of the programme in Mitchelstown are set to be reviewed.
Cork County Council – in conjunction with Enterprise Ireland’s Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) programme – launched the challenge, which set about exploring low-cost and accessible solutions to improve quality of life for the elderly.
As an ‘Age Friendly Town’, Mitchelstown was chosen to pilot one project, and the committee steering this was chaired by Cllr Kay Dawson, who worked with a number of partners.
The pilot scheme featured the installation of sensors and panic buttons at the homes of volunteers in Mitchelstown.
The sensors tracked movement, temperature and humidity, and were connected to a base at Forrest Hall Community Centre.
Those involved in the pilot will now look at the results, which could lead to a service helping older or vulnerable people living independently in their own homes to benefit from a ‘Friendly Call’ service.
This would respond to alerts raised by sensors or the homeowners themselves.
An event to celebrate the conclusion of the pilot was held at Forrest Hall in recent days, with Minister of State with special responsibility for Mental Health and Older People Jim Daly TD among those in attendance.
It also marked the beginning of ‘Positive Ageing Week’ in Mitchelstown, and a week of workshops and exhibitions will be held in the town to coincide with this.
“As an ‘Age Friendly Town’ Mitchelstown is an ideal candidate for this pilot scheme,” said Mayor of County Cork Cllr Christopher O’Sullivan.
“We need to be constantly adapting to the changing needs of all of our citizens – to allow older people live as independently in their own homes for as long as they wish.
“This enables our older citizens to stay active in their communities and feel safe and secure in their homes.”
“Helping us to research and develop emerging technologies and implement these with the support of vibrant community care organisations such as Friendly Call Cork and the Age Friendly Council in Mitchelstown,” Independent Living Ireland’s Patrick Mulvihill explained.
“We look forward to building on this experience, growing our network and finding solutions to support older people living in communities throughout Ireland.”