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Elderly Care

What is Elderly Care?

Elderly care, also known as aged care or senior care, involves the support and services provided to older adults to help maintain their health, safety, independence, and quality of life. It can be provided in different settings, including at home, in general practice clinics, residential aged care facilities, or hospitals. Elderly care addresses a wide range of needs, from regular health check-ups and medication reviews to support for chronic conditions and cognitive decline.

Who Needs Elderly Care?

Elderly care is suitable for individuals generally aged 65 and older, or Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged 50 and over, especially those who:

• Live alone or have limited support from family or carers
• Have one or more chronic medical conditions (e.g. diabetes, arthritis, heart disease)
• Are recovering from surgery or illness
• Have early signs of memory loss or dementia
• Are at risk of falls or reduced mobility
• Need help managing medications or appointments
• Experience depression, anxiety, or loneliness

Why is Elderly Care Important?

Elderly care is essential for several reasons, including:

• Help ensure that older adults are safe and protected from accidents and injuries.
• Help older adults manage chronic health conditions, improve their overall health, and maintain their quality of life.
• Help older adults maintain their independence and continue to live in their own homes or communities.
• Help older adults stay connected with others and maintain a sense of community and belonging.
• Help older adults with daily tasks such as bathing, dressing, and eating.
• Help older adults manage their medication regimen and keep track of appointments.
• Provide support and peace of mind to older adults and their families, knowing that the older adult is receiving the care and support they need.
• Cost-effective as it eliminates the need for expensive hospital stays or inpatient rehabilitation stays.

About Elderly Care Services

At our clinic, we can help in the management of chronic diseases and functional problems, including:

• Aged Care Health Assessments
• Chronic Disease Health Care Plans
• Heart Checks
• Vascular Assessments (Doppler Study)
• Home Safety
• Annual Check-Ups & Flu Vaccination
• Arthritis
• Osteoporosis Care

Elderly Care Health Assessments

Elderly Care Health Assessments are a comprehensive evaluation of an older adult's physical, cognitive, and emotional health, which helps identify potential health risks and develop a personalised care plan. These assessments typically involve a physical examination, a review of medical history, and laboratory tests or imaging studies as needed. They may also include cognitive and mental health assessments to evaluate the older adult's memory, thinking, and mood.

An Elderly Care Health Assessment typically includes the following components:

• Vital signs such as blood pressure, heart rate, and temperature
• Physical examination, including examination of the heart, lungs, abdomen, skin, and other body systems
• Review of medication regimen and drug interactions
• A review of laboratory test results, such as blood sugar and cholesterol levels
• Evaluation of the older adult's functional abilities, such as mobility, self-care, and communication
• Review of the older adult's social support and living situation
• Assessment of the older adult's cognitive and mental health status
• Discussion of any health concerns or issues identified during the assessment
• Development of a personalised plan of care and appropriate follow-up recommendations

Chronic Disease Health Care Plans

A Chronic Disease Health Care Plan is a plan of care tailored to meet the specific needs of older adults with chronic health conditions. Our doctors usually develop these plans and may include the following components:

• Identify the chronic diseases and their impact on the older adult's health and function.
• Establish clear treatment goals and objectives, such as improving blood sugar control in diabetes or reducing blood pressure in hypertension.
• Identify and address any barriers to care, such as lack of transportation or difficulty with medication management.
• Coordinate care among providers and specialists, such as primary care physicians, specialists, and home health agencies.
• Develop a comprehensive medication management plan to ensure that older adults take their medications safely and effectively.
• Encourage self-management and promote healthy habits, such as regular physical activity, healthy eating, and stress management.
• Regular monitoring and follow-up to assess the older adult's progress, adjust the care plan as needed, and address any new or emerging issues.
• Provide education and support to the older adult and their caregivers to help them understand the chronic disease, the treatment plan, and how to manage symptoms.
• Provide referrals to community resources, such as support groups, nutrition programs, and other services to help older adults and their caregivers.

Chronic Disease Health Care Plans are essential for older adults because they can help improve outcomes, reduce hospitalisations and emergency department visits, and enhance the quality of life for the aged adult. They also help reduce the cost of care for older adults with chronic diseases.

Heart Checks

Heart checks, also known as cardiovascular screenings, are a series of tests that are performed to assess the health of the heart and blood vessels. These tests are typically recommended for older adults, as the risk of heart disease increases with age.

Heart checks are essential for older adults because they can help identify potential heart problems early on, allowing for prompt intervention and management to improve outcomes. This can help prevent heart attacks, strokes, and other serious health events.

Further Tests for Heart Disease

Where there are indications of heart disease, we may recommend one of the following cardiac diagnostic processes:

• Electrocardiogram (ECG)
• Holter monitoring
• Echocardiogram
• Cardiac catheterisation
• Cardiac computerised tomography (CT) scan
• Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)

Before any of the above tests are recommended, our doctors will likely perform a physical examination, including a blood pressure test and a review of your current medications. They will also ask about your personal and family medical history.

Vascular Assessments

A vascular assessment, also known as a Doppler study, is a non-invasive test that uses sound waves to create images of the blood vessels in the body. It is used to evaluate the health of the blood vessels, check for any blockages or narrowed areas, and assess blood flow.

Vascular assessments are typically performed on the legs but can also be conducted on other areas of the body, such as the carotid arteries, aorta, and renal arteries.

The test is typically done on older adults because, as we age, the walls of our blood vessels become less flexible and more prone to plaque buildup, which can restrict blood flow and increase the risk of a stroke or heart attack.

Vascular assessments are crucial for older adults, as they can help identify potential blood vessel issues early on, enabling prompt intervention and management to improve outcomes. This can help prevent heart attacks, strokes, and other serious health events.

Home Safety

Home safety is a crucial consideration for older adults, as they may be at a higher risk of falls and other home-related accidents. Here are a few tips to help improve home safety for older adults:

• Remove tripping hazards
• Improve lighting
• Install grab bars
• Use a cordless phone
• Have a plan in case of an emergency
• Home modification
• Medication management
• Regular check-ins

Making these changes can help older adults maintain their independence and live safely in their homes for as long as possible.

Annual Check-Ups and Flu Vaccinations

Annual Check-Ups

Annual check-ups allow older adults to receive regular preventive care and screenings. During these appointments, healthcare providers can assess for potential health issues, administer vaccinations, and recommend lifestyle modifications.

Flu Vaccinations

The flu is a severe illness that can be particularly dangerous for older adults. Older adults are at a higher risk of complications from the flu, such as pneumonia, hospitalisation, and even death. Getting a flu vaccine each year can help protect older adults from getting the flu and reduce the risk of complications.

Annual check-ups and flu vaccinations are essential tools for maintaining the health of older adults. They help detect potential health problems early on and allow older adults to ask questions and discuss any concerns they may have with their healthcare provider.

As part of your overall health, we recommend annual visits for comprehensive health checks. We also strongly recommend yearly checkups for the following:

• Influenza Vaccination
• Skin Checks
• Blood Pressure and
• Medication

Arthritis/Osteoporosis Care

Arthritis and Osteoporosis care for the elderly should include regular check-ups with a healthcare provider and assessments for risk factors, symptoms and treatment options. Regular exercise, a healthy diet, weight management, and appropriate medication management are also essential components of care for older adults with these conditions.

Our doctors keep up to date with the latest developments of the condition, including providing:

• Advice for coping with fatigue and flares
• Latest treatments available (surgical and medical)
• Medications
• Self-management techniques
• Complementary therapies

At our clinic, we provide advice, treatment, and referrals to trained professionals.