Having to go for an electrocardiogram (ECG) test is usually not a difficult experience, but for the elderly, frail, mobility compromised or confused residents, this can be extremely traumatic.
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Unfamiliar faces, difficult instructions and travel to and from the diagnostic facility can make a routine procedure daunting.
Lara Aged Care has moved to reduce the stress involved in this experience by purchasing a portable ECG machine thanks to the funds raised by volunteers.
"We have already seen the benefit of having this machine on site with two ECGs performed within the first week of purchase," said Lara's care manager Monica Riley.
Lara has Registered Nurse cover 24 hours a day, seven days per week, so this diagnostic tool can be used at any time to assist General Practitioners with their assessment of residents said Lara manager Jo Earley.
"This means that treatment times can be reduced and resident comfort improved as a consequence," she said.
"The more procedures and testing we can do on site the better the outcomes for our residents."