Senior Support: New Mallow care hub for elderly to open soon

A new Integrated Care Programme for Older Persons (ICPOP) Hub is being established in Mallow, aimed at delivering faster, closer-to-home care for older people in North Cork who are living with complex health needs or frailty.

The new service will provide rapid access to specialist multidisciplinary assessment and support, helping elderly individuals remain safe and independent in their own homes while reducing unnecessary hospital admissions.

The Mallow ICPOP Hub will bring together a team of healthcare professionals including consultant geriatricians, specialist nurses, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, speech and language therapists, dietitians, and rehabilitation assistants.

Access to the service will be coordinated through a GP, and it will also be available to residents in nursing homes and residential care facilities. The service is expected to begin operations in the coming weeks.

The Mallow hub will complement existing ICPOP facilities already operating in Cork South, Cork North City, and Kerry, along with a satellite hub in Bantry currently in development.

Cork North West Fine Gael TD Deputy John Paul O’Shea said that it is “a very positive step for North Cork”.

“Families across North Cork know how difficult it can be when an older relative is at risk of a fall, living with frailty or dementia.

“The announcement is about bringing care closer to people’s homes, relieving pressure on emergency departments and hospital wards, and giving older people the dignity of timely, specialist care in their own communities,” he said.