Emirates Health Services (EHS) organized the eighth session of the Patients and their Families Advisory Council (PFAC) on October 25 at Ajman Heritage District. Themed "We Shall Take Care of You", the session aimed to highlight elderly care services for citizens and residents with the objective of improving the quality of health services provided by EHS.
The session was attended by elderly people, their families, and caregivers and involved the participation of various EHS departments and facilities including Obaid Allah Geriatric Hospital in Ras Al Khaimah, Al Amal Psychiatric Hospital, Customer Happiness Department, and Primary Health Care Department. The session also brought together representatives of the Ministry of Community Development’s offices of Seniors’ Happiness to enhance and expand the scope of partnership and cooperation.
During the session, the attendees reviewed the services provided by EHS to the elderly and also toured the Ajman Museum. The session included a discussion between the attendees and a review of some proposals and initiatives presented by PFAC members to further improve the system of exceptional health services provided by EHS to the elderly. The aim was to enhance their experience beyond their expectations which aligns with EHS’ comprehensive strategy to provide the highest standards of health services across its various health facilities.
Dr. Layla Mohammed Omran Taryam Al Shamsi, Chairman of the PFAC, highlighted the Council’s vital role in strengthening the existing partnerships between patients and their families and EHS. This is by meeting their needs and aspirations to improve the quality of health services across various EHS health facilities.
Services and initiatives for the elderly at Obaid Allah Geriatric Hospital
The session’s agenda included a review of the services provided by Obaid Allah Geriatric Hospital to the elderly, including geriatric medicine, dementia and Alzheimer’s disease services, general internal medicine, physiotherapy services, radiology, pharmacy, laboratory, nutrition, and psychological and social specialist services. In addition to initiatives across its various health facilities, a dedicated clinic for senior Emiratis has been set up along with providing dedicated parking lots and a golf cart to transport elderly patients. EHS gives top priority to elderly patients in its clinics, pharmacies, and laboratories. They are also prioritized for medicine delivery and are provided a suite of integrated services when leaving the healthcare facility post-treatment.
Ward for the Elderly at Al Amal Hospital
Al Amal Psychiatric Hospital presented a range of services specifically designed for the elderly. These include the Clinical Academic Group for Older Adults Mental Health, comprehensive mental health services initiative targeting individuals aged 60 and above who suffer from mental health disorders as well as individuals over the age of 40 who are suspected of having neurocognitive disorders, in addition to specialized inpatient care services.
The hospital also introduced a ward for inpatients consisting of 10 beds, designed to meet the specific healthcare needs of elderly patients. Specialized outpatient clinics were also established to provide comprehensive evaluation and management to those suspected or diagnosed with cognitive disorders. The healthcare facility is also involved in pursuing research related to elderly mental health and offering support sessions for elderly caregivers.
Primary Healthcare
The session highlighted a range of services provided by the Primary Health Care Department through primary healthcare centres across various emirates. These services include family medicine clinics, non-communicable disease clinics, dental clinics, and the "Itme’nan" initiative, which offers a package of medical examinations specifically tailored for senior Emiratis. These examinations include vision and hearing tests, memory, and bone density screening, fall risk assessment, and referral to dental clinics. Additionally, it covers early detection of breast and cervical cancer, regular check-ups, as well as the "Homecare Programme" that provides a package of services for this group.
The Homecare programme services include vaccinations for the elderly, nursing, treatment, and diagnostic services, as well as provision of medical supplies and medications, home-based physiotherapy, and psychological and nutritional consultations. Furthermore, the programme offers rehabilitation services for the care of the elderly and people of determination in their homes.
Dental Services
The session touched upon several services provided by the Dental Services Department, such as prioritizing the elderly and people of determination by providing a medical appointment for oral and dental rehabilitation service within five working days. In addition to these, they also offer a home dental service for patients, including the elderly, who are unable to attend in person.
Recommendations
The session concluded with several proposals and recommendations, including launching awareness and educational programmes for the elderly using various media to promote public health and enhance their quality of life. Other recommendations included teaching the elderly how to use websites and smart applications to make them self-reliant in accessing services such as booking medical appointments and renewing health cards, among other electronic services.
The suggestions included the setting up of a volunteer programme that can engage different segments of the community to provide support and assistance to the elderly during their visits to outpatient clinics, or internal departments. This gives volunteers the opportunity to communicate better and empathize with elderly patients and provide them with assistance throughout their treatment and recovery journey in the hospital.