Volunteers benefit from training sessions prior to getting to know residents, the early findings of a befriending study show.
Archive | Research & Clinical
Call for training on non-drug approaches to managing behaviour
Australia’s dementia peak body is calling for anti-psychotics to be used only as a last resort to manage dementia-related behaviours and training for aged care staff on alternatives to chemical restraint.
New app ‘a game changer’ in fight against falls
An aged care provider in Sydney has teamed up with Australia’s leading falls experts to trial an Australian invention that can predict falls among older people with 75 per cent accuracy.
Residents happier with kids around, study finds
Intergenerational care helps older people form special bonds with children, improve their moods and reconnect with the past, according to the evaluation of a two-year project.
Research progressing on quality of life measure
Interviews with aged care recipients are underway to inform a new tool for providers to assess and measure the quality of life of people in their care.
Device shows promise for preventing pressure sores
A purpose-designed positioning device has proven more effective at keeping residents in a good sleeping position than standard pillows, the results of a Melbourne University study show.
Older people want to be understood, survey finds
Almost half of Australian seniors feel their identity is poorly understood or not heard well by their loved ones, a new survey shows.
Improving food experiences
A project in Tasmania involving two aged care facilities is developing nutritional strategies that reduce malnutrition among residents.
Dementia medication ‘underused’ in aged care facilities
A researcher says Australian aged care residents should have more opportunities to trial antidementia medications before turning to antipsychotics.
Communication between departments key to long-lasting change
Improved leadership, teamwork and communication among residential aged care staff can have massive benefits on how facilities are run and how residents are cared for, as proved by a study on change through intervention in the sector.
Exercise key to osteoporosis prevention
Osteoporosis among residents living in aged care is being underdiagnosed, a new research study suggests.
Status a factor in residential aged care wait
Educated seniors with a degree are often prioritised in the wait for residential aged care, according to a study, but there is hope that tweaks to the process will make it fairer.
Australian-first survey shows sector in crisis
Residential aged care staff are still struggling to manage clients with dementia, despite increased research available on the subject, due to a simple lack of time and resources.
Smart beds to provide resident updates to care workers
Smart beds could revolutionise care in Australian aged care homes, and may eventually form part of a web of monitoring devices that will provide constant updates on residents and send alerts the second they need help.
