Pressure injury prevalence has been reported at 16-23% in combined hospital and residential aged care populations (1,2). Chronic leg ulcers affect 1-3% of people aged over 60years, with incidence increasing up to 5-10% in the 80+ age group. (3,4). Wounds can include pressure ulcers, wounds post-surgery or trauma and wounds or ulcers as a result...
Choking is the second most common preventable cause of death in Australian aged care facilities. In Victoria alone, there were 89 choking deaths between 2000 and 2012, and adults over 85yrs accounted for the majority of deaths. Choking has the potential to cause brain injury and death due to cardiac arrest within minutes. It is...
Consuming a nutritious diet for optimal health is important at any age but is particularly important for the elderly to maximise independence and quality of life. As we age our nutritional requirements remain high and it is important to have a balanced diet ideally eating food from each of the five food groups while maintaining...
Nutritional management of residents undergoing dialysis should be a priority in any aged care facility. Kidney disease affects a large number of Australians, approximately 1.7 million. As kidney disease progresses a number of these people will require dialysis. Dialysis is needed to remove waste from the blood, restore the balance of electrolytes and remove excess fluid when the...
Diverticular disease is a condition which affects the large intestine. Diverticulosis occurs when small pouches (diverticula) develop in the lining of the large intestine. Diverticulitis is when these pouches become inflamed or infected. Diverticular disease is most common in people aged over 50 years, with older age and diet being considered the main risk factors. ...
Sodium or salt is a necessary inclusion in the diet of all Australians. It is needed by the body to help regulate fluid levels. Unfortunately the average person consumes around three times as much salt as is needed to maintain good health. It is recommended by the NHMRC and Heart Foundation that on average, people...
Most residential aged care facilities (RACFs) have a relatively large stock of thickened fluids. With approximately 68% of residents having dysphagia, many resident require thickened fluids to maintain their pulmonary health. Some sites prefer to use fluids that are pre-thickened, which generally improves the accuracy of the thickness the resident receives. However the majority of...
Recent research shows that up to one quarter of aged care residents have diabetes. Diabetes is characterised by the body’s reduced ability to control blood glucose levels (BGL) with poorly controlled diabetes having the potential to result in side effects such as poor would healing, pressure ulcers, weight loss, chronic infections, cognitive decline and increased...
