There are currently 50 million people around the world living with dementia, and it is believed that this overall statistic is made up of over 400,000 Australians. Nearly one out of every ten Australians over the age of 65 have dementia and it is currently the single greatest cause of disability for Australians in this age group. But according to new research that was recently published in the Journal of Gerontology, current research actually suggests that the rate of...

For a large portion of the Australian population, urinary tract infections are not an issue that is generally seen as a cause for concern. It is believed that as many as 50% of women will develop a UTI in their lifetime, while only 5% of the male population will fall victim to the infection. One of the reasons for this infection’s gender bias simply comes down to a difference in anatomy, and the fact that women have a shorter urethra...

Many older Australian wish to remain living at home for as long as they can. For many, it’s important they remain in their local communities, where they have friends and family nearby, they know their neighbours, and are familiar with the nearby facilities. The familiarity of home can also be reassuring to older people. The feeling of being immersed in a home they’ve created, a reflection of their life journey and rich with memories, can also be hugely comforting. With...

Older people have long been the victims of stereotyping within modern society and growing up in the 1980s, it wasn't uncommon to hear terms like ‘silly old bugger,’ or a person being described as ‘losing their marbles’ when dealing with cognitive impairment. A lot has changed over the last 30 years in regards to elderly, and with three decades worth of education and research has come to the realisation that terms like that can be hurtful and they also...

New laws will compel all aged care providers to sign and conform to a single, strengthened Charter of Rights, under the Morrison Government’s latest aged care quality and safety reforms. For the first time, providers will have to provide a personally signed copy of the Charter to every one of their residents and care recipients, at the same time giving them – or their authorised representative - the opportunity to co-sign the document. “Together, we’re standing up for our most...

The Royal Commission heard of the obstacles Ruth Harris faced when she tried to find information about her mother’s home care package through My Aged Care. Ruth, a 65-year-old retired teacher who cares for her mother, Joyce Harris, spoke about her frustrations dealing with the My Aged Care system. Ruth first contacted My Aged Care when Joyce turned 90 and began having dizzy spells. My Aged Care said Joyce had to have an ACAT assessment, which she did. She was first assessed...

Older people have long been the victims of stereotyping within modern society and growing up in the 1980s, it wasn't uncommon to hear terms like ‘silly old bugger,’ or a person being described as ‘losing their marbles’ when dealing with cognitive impairment. A lot has changed over the last 30 years in regards to elderly, and with three decades worth of education and research has come to the realisation that terms like that can be hurtful and they also...

When it comes to categorising and understanding dementia, there is an air of uncertainty that can inhibit the uniform approach to treatment that can be taken with other ailments or forms of disease. Dementia itself is not actually a disease, but rather a collection of varying symptoms that are caused by disorders of the brain, and it is very much an individual journey for everyone living with it and affected by it. For an individual, being diagnosed with any form...

It is estimated that globally 38% of the population have at least one tattoo. The popularity of tattoos shows no sights of slowing, therefore, it is evident that a percentage of care professionals will have at least one tattoo. It is not uncommon to see care professionals with tattoos, piercings and brightly coloured hair, but what do the individuals they care for think about this alternative presentation? I have large stretched ears, piercings, brightly coloured hair and tattoos. Myself and...

  Natasha Chadwick entered the aged care industry early in her career, and quickly became determined to change the way things were done. “It is as if people who reach a certain age or lose some of their previous cognitive or physical abilities are discarded, left to spend the rest of their days in drab dormitories in institutions,” Natasha Chadwick, CEO and founder of NewDirection Care, told HelloCare. “We should be doing a much better job of serving the...

In the latest hearings from The Royal Commission, witnesses revealed their experiences of being offered kickbacks for new customers, being assessed by aggressive, unfriendly auditors, being forced to hire administrators charging exorbitant fees, and a care recipient who died waiting for their home care package to come through. Auditors “confronting, ''condescending” and “unfriendly” A registered nurse of thirty years’ experience, who spoke under the pseudonym BC, said she started a palliative care business in 2016 to support people who wanted to...

It is estimated that globally 38% of the population have at least one tattoo. The popularity of tattoos shows no sights of slowing, therefore, it is evident that a percentage of care professionals will have at least one tattoo. It is not uncommon to see care professionals with tattoos, piercings and brightly coloured hair, but what do the individuals they care for think about this alternative presentation? I have large stretched ears, piercings, brightly coloured hair and tattoos. Myself and...