Health of Elderly Australia

How is Australia’s aging population supported by the Australian Health Care System?

PREAMBLE

Since 1901 Australia’s elderly population has had a dramatic rise with it estimated that 65-year olds make up just under 15% of Australia’s population (Northern Health Research). The median age of the country has risen from 22 to 35 years and people age 0-14 has decreased from 35.1% in 1901 to 20.7% in 2001 (Mayne Health Research). As this “greying of the nation” continues mirroring global trends, there has been an influx of residents admitted into aged care facilities around the country. The aim of this report is to perform a case study on an elderly member of the community cared for at the St. Paul’s Aged Care Centre in Caboolture, after visiting the facility every Friday for a period of five weeks. Not only will the residents health be investigated but also the effectiveness of the aged care centre to cater for the rights and needs of the residents in relation to the Ottawa Charter. Suggestions will be made on how the centre could be improved in the future culminating in a detailed summary of the report’s findings.

INTRODUCTION

Upon commencing weekly visits, each group of students was assigned a particular resident and advised to monitor their health, behaviour and needs. After being assigned an elderly gentleman by the name of Ken, it quickly became evident the reasoning behind his care. Ken was suffering the early stages of dementia often forgetting names and having short-term memory loss. According to the Alzheimer’s Association in Queensland, early stages of dementia involves the destruction of brain cells in isolated areas often with first signs being short-term memory loss. He was also suffering severe arthritis of the left knee that seemed to be afflicting each of his elbows as well. Arthritis is a term loosely applied to inflammatory, metabolic, or degenerative diseases involving one or more of the joints (Collier’s Encyclopedia). It is a prevalent, crippling disease affecting tens of millions worldwide (www.arthritis.org/). The final health concern noticed was Ken’s social unacceptance. Often reluctant to join in with conversations and games, Ken seemed very isolated and lonely, probably further reinforcing the signs of dementia setting in.

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

On completion of the weekly visits and looking back on the time spent with the residents, ...

... middle of paper ...

... the facility encouraging a more sociable and homelike setting. This would further enhance resident’s social wellbeing allowing a friendlier environment to be created and according to Dr. Luke Ryse,

“A person who is living a life in a favoured setting is less likely to suffer stress, depression and anxiety often associated with aged care facilities.” (www.agecare.com/oz/st/)

Another improvement would be to give greater freedom to the residents. Maybe have meals at different times in the evenings giving them a sense of control and also allow residents accompanied visits outside the facility on a weekly basis. Both would lift spirits in centre and are improvements that are easily attainable. They allow residents greater independence and as mentioned earlier, this fosters better health. However apart from those two areas, the St. Paul’s Aged Care Facility in Caboolture is effectively caring and adhering to the needs of the elderly in conjunction with promoting health through the implementation of the principles of the Ottawa Charter.