A delay in seeing a doctor, or not seeing a doctor at all, when a resident first moves into aged care may increase the likelihood the resident will be admitted to hospital, or even die, according to new research. When a resident is first admitted to a nursing home, they generally undergo a range of assessments, including an assessment by a doctor. In the first days of a resident’s time in care, it’s crucial the appropriate care regime is established...

A lot has been said over the years regarding the value that is placed on elderly people. Somewhere over the last few decades within western society, the social standing of older people has been relegated from valued and knowledgeable leaders of our households and community to the silent people in the background who must be worked around in order to maintain our modern day lifestyles. Lifestyle in 2019 is more fast-paced than ever, and the mindset of people is far...

The first area of focus when a Pressure Injury develops should ALWAYS be nutrition. You see, a resident with a Pressure Injury (PI) is generally a malnourished resident. And when defining malnutrition, it does not merely come down to a resident’s current weight. Residents who are considered obese can still most certainly be malnourished. In fact, a recent hospital-based study found that obese malnourished patients were 11 TIMES more likely to develop a PI! The patients in the study were...

How often does an incident in an aged care home escalate because management is afraid of litigation? When a mistake occurs in a public health service, the person who has been affected and/or their legal representative must be informed about the ‘adverse event’. This is known as ‘open disclosure’. Open disclosure is defined as “the open communication that takes place between health practitioners and patients after an adverse event”.  An open disclosure process includes: An apology or expression of regret; a...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nz3_VBYu2o4 As we age, there may come a time when we have to accept we need a little more help. We know most senior Australians wish to remain living in their own home independently and, as such, accepting support can give them the confidence to ensure this happens.    A survey by The Productivity Commission in 2015 found that 83 per cent of Australians over the age of 60 would strongly prefer to age in place, in...

Australia’s prison population is ageing, creating a unique set of challenges in correctional facilities across the country. Prisons are catering for the needs of an increasingly frail and unwell prison population, Natasha Ginnivan, ReINVEST Research Manager, Kirby Institute, told HelloCare, but more could be done. Older inmate population up 348% The latest data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics, shows the number of prisoners aged 65 years and over has increased by 348 per cent, or by 805 more people, in the...

Frontotemporal dementia (FTD) can be challenging to identify and is often misdiagnosed as a psychiatric problem or as Alzheimer's disease. In fact, just like many neurodegenerative disorders, conclusive diagnosis can only truly be made during an autopsy. While the majority of people living with dementia are over the age of 65, frontotemporal dementia tends to occur between the ages of 40 and 45, and the disorders that stem from this condition have a distinct effect on an individuals behaviour, personality...

A small, not-for-profit aged care provider in Toukley, New South Wales, has found an innovative way to bring joy and meaning to residents’ lives that has been so successful it’s even attracting the general public to come in and take a look! The Viet Vets Keith Payne VC aged care facility spoke to HelloCare about how they came up with the imaginative idea that is not only beautiful to look at, but also obviously filled with meaning for residents, staff...

  People living with dementia should be given music or dance therapy, the UK Health Secretary has said. At a reception hosted by the Prince of Wales at Clarence House, Health Secretary Matt Hancock said, “Dementia can devastate the lives of people affected by it and, although there is not yet a cure, I believe we can do more to improve the lives of people with the condition.” “In particular, I want to combat over-medicalisation and dishing out pills...

How often does an incident in an aged care home escalate because management is afraid of litigation? When a mistake occurs in a public health service, the person who has been affected and/or their legal representative must be informed about the ‘adverse event’. This is known as ‘open disclosure’. Open disclosure is defined as “the open communication that takes place between health practitioners and patients after an adverse event”.  An open disclosure process includes: An apology or expression of regret; a...

  By Maria Berry Our family was privileged to attend the premiere launch of ‘The Target’, a movie by Giovanna Mercuri about bullying. The movie is based on true stories of bullying and the serious long term impacts on those who are victims. This movie made me reflect on bullying within the aged care sector. As someone who has worked for 30 years with older people both professionally and in community roles, I can confirm that bullying is rife within...

You may have seen the testimony of Raelene Ellis at the Royal Commission in to Aged Care Quality and Safety. Raelene's mother has experienced the aged care system from one end to the other, with Raelene as her main support. At one point, Raelene spoke about the struggle to accept that her mother needed residential care. Through tears she described her head being ready but that her heart was not. Our emotions, and even deeper, our sense of self, our...