A newly piloted app will help Shoalhaven IRT Group residents get access to health advice without having to leave their homes.
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Aged care residents at IRT Thomas Holt Kirrawee in Southern Sydney were among the first to access telehealth services made available this week via an app.
The IRT Group, with software developer Checked In Care, released the app.
The intention is to roll out the app across all 21 of IRT Group's aged care centres in NSW, the ACT and South East Queensland.
IRT Group CEO Patrick Reid said the app is one way IRT is working to support the health and wellbeing of aged care residents as they adjust to the strict social distancing measures introduced to slow the spread of COVID-19.
"In the past month our aged care residents, who are among the most at risk of COVID-19, have seen massive changes to their day-to-day lives," Mr Reid said.
"Right now we are prioritising getting the telehealth function of the app up and running for all of our aged care centres across the country to ensure residents can connect with their doctor remotely as appropriate for their healthcare needs.
"Once this function is running smoothly we also intend to build in a video calling function so we can help residents have meaningful catch-ups with their family members."
Helen Lee, a 78-year-old IRT Group resident, used the app on Wednesday afternoon for an appointment with her doctor.
"It was really good, it made me feel more comfortable," Ms Lee said following her appointment, which was jointly facilitated by an IRT Registered Nurse and Care Coordinator.
"It [the app] was so easy for us to use and visually update the doctor on Helen's condition and it was nice to see her responding positively to the new technology," Matilda Critchley, IRT Care Coordinator said.
The IRT Connect app can be used on both Android and iOS devices.
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