With the festive season upon us, it’s time to make loneliness and social isolation among ageing Australians a public health priority, writes Kerry Mann.
Community Care Review
COTA research sets stage for policy offensive ahead of federal poll
COTA has conducted a wide-ranging survey of of 2,560 Australians which found, among other things, that while people have difficulty getting home care, most are satisfied once they have it.
VR puts seniors back in the driver’s seat
Virtual reality is being used to test the driving skills of older people in rural NSW.
Dementia Australia partners with international advocacy group
Dementia Australia has become the first national dementia association to partner with Dementia Alliance International, the peak global dementia advocay organisation.
Dementia app facilitates interaction through games
Dementia Australia has released a new iPad app to help family members connect and communicate with loved ones who are living with dementia through interactive games.
‘Try before you buy’ crowding out respite, report says
A report has recommended reducing the number of respite days that aged care facilities are allowed to offer amid concerns that some people are using respite as a “try before you buy” system and crowding out those in genuine need.
5,000 more waiting for appropriate level of home care
The number of people on a home care package has increased by almost 30 per cent over the last 12 months but the number waiting for their appropriate level of care is continuing to grow and people are waiting longer.
Report says NDIS at risk of failing
Almost three quarters of NDIS service providers do not think the NDIS is working well, according to a report which says the scheme is at risk of failing to deliver on its “great promise” to Australians with disability.
Legislation passes for new aged care watchdog
Aged care providers have welcomed the passage of legislation establishing the nation’s first independent Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission and say they will work with the new watchdog to uphold high standards of care.
Survey shows drop in home care admin costs
Home care package administration fees are dropping, a survey of approved providers shows.
Review finds high level of inappropriate prescriptions for home nursing patients
The prevalence of potentially inappropriate medicines among home nursing clients is very high, a study has found, with three quarters of this group taking drugs linked to a risk of adverse events including falls and hospitalisation.
Dementia resource wins book award
A book on dementia which was co-authored by a person who has been living with the condition for ten years has been named the Australasian Journal on Ageing book of the year.
Designing a ‘therapeutic’ home for people with dementia
Designing a “therapeutic home” can help preserve loss of self for people who are living with dementia in the community, a conference has heard.
Radio can reduce loneliness, isolation in older people
The radio can be harnessed as a tool to reduce loneliness, isolation and depression among older people, a study suggests.
