A fourth aged care pay rise has taken effect, delivering another boost to the sector. Around 400,000 aged care workers across Australia are set to benefit, with the Federal Government committing $17 billion to fund the increases. This latest rise builds on a series of aged care wage increases introduced over the past two years….
Why hearing loss in aged care is such an issue Hearing loss affects around one in six Australians, and while it can occur at any age, it is far more common among older people. For many, the gradual decline in hearing can have a profound impact on daily life. It may lead to social withdrawal,…
he Federal Government has pledged nearly a billion dollars in new funding. The money is designed to improve the quality and accessibility of aged care across Australia. The investment comes at a critical time for the sector, which has faced mounting challenges in meeting the needs of an ageing population while dealing with ongoing workforce…
Ahead of Dementia Action Week, a new report has revealed dementia has become the leading cause of death among Australians. As Australia’s population ages, it’s predicted the number of people with dementia will only increase. In 40 years, it is expected there will be more than one million people living with the disease. Dementia is…
Exploring autism and ageing We often focus on the experiences of children with autism, but far less attention is given to what life looks like for those on the spectrum as they grow older. Autism doesn’t go away with age, and in fact it can intensify many of the challenges people already face in later…
The vital role of telehealth in aged care For many older Australians, particularly those living in regional or remote areas, getting the medical care they need is not always easy. Distance, mobility issues and a shortage of local specialists often mean that receiving timely support can be a real challenge. Increasingly, technology in aged care…
With Australia’s aging population and the preference for most people to receive care at home, the increasing pressure on Australia’s at home care system is well understood. Last week we reported on growing concerns about long waiting times for aged care home care packages. This has seen many Australians experience lengthy delays in accessing support. Now,…
It’s clear the majority of older Australians want to live out their remaining years at home. However, to do so they require appropriate support. It’s essential this support is available when they need it. More than 120,000 Australians are currently waiting to be assessed for at-home support, a figure that continues to grow each month….
The importance of planning for later life Australia is currently experiencing a longer life expectancy. The average woman is now expected to live to 85, the average man is expected to live to 81. The number of Australians aged over 90 is expected to increase by 250 per cent over the next 30 years. This…
The relationship between diet and brain health as we age As we get older, staying mentally sharp becomes increasingly important. A poor diet can lead to malnutrition, which negatively affects brain health. Malnutrition in older Australians is a significant issue. In fact, it’s estimated that up to 68% of aged care residents experience malnutrition. This…