A Kalona long-term care facility is one of several in the state set to participate in a new telemedicine program.

Made possible by a $500,000 grant from the United States Department of Agriculture, the program will give mental illness treatment to Pleasantview Home residents by University of Iowa Health Care board-certified geriatric psychiatrists. Residents can attend their psychiatry visits via video conference from their facility rather than having to travel to Iowa City. Pleasantview Home Director of Nursing Amy Skelton says telemedicine appointments can ease transportation and mental and physical burdens on the patient and their caregivers. Family members can also join the appointment at Pleasantview Home or from a remote location. Geriatric psychiatrists care for seniors with mental and emotional disorders such as dementia and Alzheimer’s disease, depression, anxiety, and addiction.