For many, the ageing process can be challenging and lonely. This is reflected in high rates of mental health issues, such as depression, among older Australians. Currently, around half of all aged care residents have symptoms of depression. This is four times the rate of the rest of the community. Six in ten people living…
Like many other industries, technology is changing the face of the aged care industry, providing opportunities but also risks. One big change has been the implementation of robots to help care for Australia’s ageing population. While robots are viewed as a potential remedy for the widening gap between the level of care needed and the…
If you’re concerned about an older Australian who has recently experienced a fall, you’re not alone. It’s a common occurrence, with 1 in 4 people aged over 65 having a fall at least once a year. The consequences of falls for older Australians can be debilitating. 9 out of 10 hip fractures in older Australians…
The number of people with dementia in Australia is projected to double over the next 30 years. Currently, dementia is the second leading cause of death for Australians and the leading cause of death for women. Without a breakthrough, dementia will soon be the leading cause of death for Australians. The projected rise in dementia…
Loneliness is an increasing issue in Australia, with one in three Australians estimated to be lonely. Unfortunately, the risk of loneliness increases as we age. The risk can be especially significant for those living in aged care. Some experts say the impact of loneliness on the ageing process can be worse than smoking. Social connection…
Remaining active as you get older can prove challenging. However, the consequences of not remaining active can be significant. It is estimated that half of the physical decline experienced in old age is triggered by a lack of physical activity rather than age itself. Lack of exercise can lead to several health consequences for seniors,…
Regardless of your age, animals provide a sense of joy and companionship. For older Australians, the benefits of interacting with animals are especially significant. However, caring for animals can take a lot of commitment and responsibility. Therefore, many older residents in aged care may no longer have the capacity to own a pet. It is…
As many people are aware, Australia is grappling with an ageing population, a pressing issue that has profound implications for the health system. The country is currently witnessing a surge in hospital presentations of older adults, a situation that is expected to only get worse. Between 2015 and 2020, the rate of older Australians admitted…
There has been a noticeable increase in the number of people waiting for Home Care Packages. There are currently 68,000 older Australians waiting for a Home Care Package, more than double the 28,666 that were waiting at this time last year. The government concedes it is becoming harder to access the scheme. So what is…
Australia is currently in the grip of a severe nurse shortage crisis in the aged care industry which is projected to worsen. The urgency of this shortfall and the need for immediate action cannot be overstated. Thanks to the Sydney Morning Herald and Aged Care Insite, we explore what is behind the shortfall of nurses…