Seniors in Central Alberta who are living with chronic illness are finding the support they need from the Home Health Monitoring Project.
The project uses digital technologies to allow nurses and physicians to monitor their patients remotely.
In 2021, Pearl O’Gorman’s primary care doctor with the Red Deer Primary Care Network (PCN) recommended she take part in the project. It meant the senior could maintain the same, if not higher, levels of support and care for her diabetes while in the comfort of her own home and minimizing the risk of exposure to the COVID-19 virus.
Pearl was enthusiastic about this innovative and empowering approach to managing her condition and looked forward to the added support the project would provide.
“I was excited to participate. Seeing the daily measurements was encouraging. After completing the project, my blood sugar levels and weight had improved. My lifestyle has changed. The extra support made a difference. I feel like a new me,” said O’Gorman in a statement, one of many seniors living with chronic illness who has been positively impacted by the project.
The Home Health Monitoring (HHM) Project was led by the Alberta Central Zone PCN Committee in collaboration with Health Cities, a non-profit organization focused on transforming healthcare solutions.
The Alberta Central Zone PCN, which stretches across the province between Edmonton and Calgary, works with rural communities and alongside over 350 physicians to provide primary care for nearly 400,000 patients within the zone.
The initial HHM Project involved the Wolf Creek, Drayton Valley and Kalyna County PCNs and has since been scaled to include more Central Zone PCNs.
Wolf Creek PCN provides service to Bashaw, Bowden, Eckville, Innisfail, Lacombe, Ponoka and more.
Drayton Valley PCN provides service to Alsike, Breton, Carnwood, Drayton Valley, Pembina, Winfield and more.
Kalyna County PCN provides service to Innisfree, Islay, Mannville, Vegreville, Vermilion, Viking and more.