Doha: The daycare unit established by the Department of Geriatrics at Hamad Medical Corporation has benefited more than 1,000 elderly patients since April and has made a positive impact on their well being.
The daycare unit is situated at the Rumailah Hospital and it provides services to the elderly (aged 60 years and over) who suffer from non-serious medical problems that do not pose a threat to life, but still need attention.
“Services at the daycare unit are provided by a medical team specialising in geriatrics in a less crowded and friendly environment for the elderly. Each case is carefully assessed and the patients’ requirements are managed quickly and flexibly,” Senior Consultant, Geriatric at HMC, Dr. Sanjeev Kumar told The Peninsula.
“Waiting time at the daycare unit is very less and it helps patients. Geriatric patients are vulnerable, in acute conditions it is important to identify the problem and start treatment at the soonest. It will result in positive outcomes and give quick relief to patients.”
According Dr. Kumar, elderly patients who come to the daycare service unit have previously gone to the Emergency Department with acute conditions such as wound care, infections, procedural service and blood transfusion.
“At the Emergency Department, elderly patients will have to wait for a long time and it can be difficult for them. At the daycare a rapid assessment and management are done by a specialist geriatric multidisciplinary team in a less busy and friendly setting,” said Dr. Kumar.
“The team performs a comprehensive assessment of the elderly and studies their medical needs, from the motor point of view, in terms of physical therapy and functional therapy in addition to social and psychological needs. Later the team presents an integrated treatment plan in consultation with the patient and his family, and follows up while the patient is in the unit or after discharge,” said Dr. Kumar.
The daycare unit at Rumailah Hospital complements other services available to ensure safe and patient-centered care for the elderly including the Raha, national memory helpline, geriatric home services, long term care for elderly patients and telemedicine service provided for the elderly.
The elderly can also directly contact the daycare unit to book appointments by calling designated numbers, which are 33253128 or 55193240 or they can get referred by other clinics or hospitals.
“At the daycare unit elderly can get a holistic service uniquely designed for them. Many patientwws have expressed their satisfaction over services they receive at the daycare centre,” said Dr. Kumar.
The geriatric daycare unit has the capacity to accommodate around 15 patients at a time. It receives patients from 7am to 10pm.
