CARES Act Grant to Expand Telehealth Services for Seniors in Maine
The University of New England is getting more than $90,000 in federal funding to launch a telehealth program giving residents of the rural state access to wellness and advanced care planning services.
Elderly Maine residents will soon be able to use telehealth to access wellness services and advanced care planning through a program coordinated by the University of New England.
The Biddeford-based university recently received a $90,625 grant through the CARES Act to launch the TeleHealthy program. Developed in a partnership with the University of Maine, MaineHealth, the Northern Light Health system, Full Circle Health and the National Digital Equity Center, the program will train third- and fourth-year osteopathic medicine students and family medicine practitioners to deliver services through connected health platforms to seniors who can’t easily access in-person care.
“TeleHealthy was developed by UNE’s AgIngME team to help older adults more easily participate in telemedicine visits during the pandemic,” Susan Wehry, MD, chief of geriatrics at UNE’s College of Osteopathic Medicine and director of the school’s Geriatrics Workforce Enhancement Program, known as AgingME, said in a press release. “We are grateful the CARES Act made funds available to both engage older adults and to help ensure today’s student and practicing health professionals know how to use telehealth tools effectively.”
The program aims to expand a network of care in a decidedly rural state, where access is often hampered by distance, geography and weather. Officials said they chose to target wellness visits and advanced care planning because those specific services are often neglected or pushed aside – especially with the coronavirus pandemic reducing access to in-person care.
“In these uncertain times, telehealth is one of the best ways to safely receive care – particularly for seniors and those who are especially at-risk,” Maine Senator Angus King said in the press release. “I am thrilled that this funding will help UNE work with health centers across the state and allow them to expand virtual services for older Maine people. Now more than ever, it is vital that our seniors are able to receive their annual and routine preventive care, as well as being able to bring issues to their health care provider’s attention before the problems become too serious.”
