Sarcopenia: Age-Related Muscle Loss, Explained Simply As we get older, it’s normal for our bodies to change. One of the most important – and often overlooked – changes is the gradual loss of muscle. This condition is called sarcopenia, and it can have a big impact on strength, mobility, independence and quality of life for...
In Aged Care we often see BMI (Body Mass Index) used as a quick health check. However, BMI alone can be misleading in older adults. Research shows the “healthy” BMI range for older adults is higher compared with younger people. Not the Whole Picture The lowest risk of death in older adults is at a...
GORD or Gastro-Oesophageal Reflux Disease is the term used for a condition where the stomach acid rises up into the oesophagus (food pipe) and sometimes into the throat. This can cause symptoms such as heartburn, tasting acid in the mouth, chest pain, indigestion, burping and persistent night-time cough. GORD is the most common upper gastrointestinal...
Antibiotics are widely used in residential aged care facilities to treat a variety of infections. One of the side effects of these medications is diarrhoea. Probiotics have been found to assist in the control of antibiotic diarrhoea. What is Antibiotic Associated Diarrhoea? Antibiotic Associated Diarrhoea (AAD) is diarrhoea that occurs when taking antibiotics that can’t...
With the release of the Strengthened Aged Care standards there is a heightened focus on protein intake within aged care settings. The legislation now mandates alignment with the Dietitians Australia Menu and Mealtime Quality Assessment Tool, which is the nationally recognised standard for evaluating menus in residential aged care. One of the key principles of the updated standards...
This article follows on from our recent article on the “Food First Approach” to optimising nutrition. Some residents are not able to meet their nutritional requirements with food alone and require nutrition supplements. As the term suggests, nutritional supplements are used to ‘supplement’ the diet, not to replace it. Supplements are most effective when they...
Partnering with older people on Food and Nutrition Strengthened Aged Care Standard 6.1 focuses on working with your residents and in doing so also making continuous improvements to the food service. As everyone works towards being compliant with the long awaited Strengthened Aged Care Standards, now is a good time to start thinking about how...
Is your aged care facility ready for the malnutrition screening Strengthened Aged Care Quality Standards? Do you currently screen your residents using a validated malnutrition screening tool or have systems in place for this? Standard 5.5.5 of the new Strengthened Aged Care Quality Standards The provider implements processes to maintain an older person’s nutrition and...
As part of the new incoming Standard 6, aged care menus will need to be assessed annually by an Accredited Practicing Dietitian (APD) using the recommended Dietitian Australia aged care menu review tool, currently known as the Menu and Mealtime Quality Assessment tool. This tool currently covers nutrition related matters in line with the Standards...
Delirium is characterised by fluctuating changes in cognitive function and occurs most often in older adults. When a person has delirium, they may be confused, agitated or even quiet and drowsy. Delirium is often caused by a number of factors including infection, constipation, dehydration, malnutrition, pain and medication changes. Delirium is often distressing for the...
