Integrated care for older people at Leabaib Health Centre

The Primary Health Care Corporation (PHCC) has announced the introduction of Integrated Care for Older People (ICOPE) services at Leabaib Health Centre. This makes Leabaib the third health centre to offer the pilot elderly care service, following its successful launch at Al Wajbah and Rawdat Al Khail Health Centres.The pilot ICOPE clinic operates as part of the ICOPE programme, developed by the World Health Organisation, with the aim to help healthcare systems better manage the health and well-being of older adults by addressing early declines in intrinsic capacity.The programme focuses on maintaining and improving functional ability, enabling older people to live independently for as long as possible. Through ICOPE, PHCC aims to enhance healthy aging by identifying risks early and offering timely interventions that prevent or slow down the progression of frailty and functional decline.Qatar takes pride in being the first pilot site in the Middle East for ICOPE, which reflects our commitment to providing world-class healthcare. This new clinic is part of our efforts to integrate specialised services for older adults into primary care.Patients and their families understand that the elderly face increasing risks of experiencing declines in their physical and mental capacities. To address this, PHCC has collaborated with Hamad Medical Corporation and the clinic targets elderly individuals aged 60 and above, and care will be provided through a person-centred, integrated approach coordinated by a multidisciplinary team. This approach ensures that older patients receive appropriate care at the right time.The screening tool will assess visual impairment, hearing loss, cognitive decline and depressive symptoms, malnutrition, and mobility loss and falls. Initially, this pilot service will be available to registered patients at Leabaib Health Centre, and patients will be identified and invited to benefit from it. Beneficiaries will be informed when the service begins accepting referrals from all health centres.The clinic will operate every Monday from 8am to 1pm, and the goal is not only to treat medical issues but also to support the elderly in remaining active and engaged in their communities.