QLD3 - 19.2(Final) - Ready for Flip Page_Layout 2

door handles have to be twisted Home Upkeep Eating 51 | Retirement & Over 50’s Living
or do they push down?
Is home maintenance provided Are there onsite eateries and Join www.livewellclub.com.au
Have steps and stairs been for consumables such as restaurants?
eliminated both inside and globes?
outside or are there adequate Is there an in-home food service
ramps to allow you to get Is gardening done for you? available?
anywhere you want to?
Can you plant shrubs, flowers Is there a variety of food styles
Security and trees of your choice? to suit your taste such as Asian,
European and Indian?
Does the community have a Is any assistance given in
secure perimeter? Are there respect of home modification Are the restaurants in the area
regular security patrols? and repairs and are the rules and cooked meal services
compatible with your needs? welcomed for home delivery or
Are there special security are they discouraged?
arrangements for periods when Atmosphere and feel
you are absent such as a trip Is the pricing in the on-site
overseas? Have you visited on open days eateries subsidised?
and other times?
Is an emergency call system Are visitors welcome to eat with
available? Have you talked with some of you at the on-site eateries?
the residents and staff, and do
Domestic Assistance you get a good feeling about it? Medical issues

Is domestic assistance such as Can you positively say you would Is there on-site nursing care and
cleaning available and is it at an look forward to living in this medical care?
additional cost? community, are you drawn to it?
Are there pharmacy prescription
Laundry and Ironing – is Entertainment, Socialising arrangements?
assistance available for laundry & Recreation
and ironing and if so is there a Will there be help with taking
cost attached? Have you thought about the Medications?
social atmosphere and how well
Personal Care you think it suits your character Are there arrangements for
and personality? visits from dentists and allied
Are there facilities such as a health professionals?
hairdresser and beauty salon in Is there in-village entertainment
the village? such as a cinema, media room, How does the community
theatrette, library, games room management deal with
Are there personal well-being and music room? residents who develop
programmes run at the dementia?
community such as yoga, Are there sporting facilities such
meditation or Zumba classes? as billiards, bowling green, Moving On
tennis court and swimming
Is personal care assistance pool? Is assistance given in selling the
available if needed, such as with property? Do you understand
getting around, bathing etc.? Are you happy with the rules the financial implications if you
relating to guests? want to move out?
Which are the In-Home Care
providers that most regularly Is there transport for shopping Is there an Aged Care facility
visit the community for other or appointments? associated with the retirement
clients? community nearby or on the
Are there organized trips and same estate?
Do you have any special needs tours you can join?
whether physical or emotional O50s
and are those special needs What relationship, if any, does Australian Over 50s Living & Lifestyle Guide
catered for? the community manager
maintain with the family of
Are pets allowed? residents?

52 Choose Your Retirement Village or Over 50’s Living

Aveo Albany Creek Aveo Aspley Court

61 Explorer Drive, Albany 100 Albany Creek Road,
Creek QLD 4035 Aspley QLD 4043

13 28 36 13 28 36

aveo.com.au aveo.com.au

Set among 11 hectares of lush, At Aveo Aspley Court, every aspect of
landscaped gardens, Aveo Albany Creek living has been thoroughly considered
o ers a true resort-style paradise with an from the beautifully landscaped
abundance of amenities gardens, quality village
and a welcoming amenities and well
community atmosphere. thought out living
options.
Aveo Bridgeman Downs
Aveo The Clay eld
42 Ridley Road, Bridgeman
Downs QLD 4035 496 Sandgate Road,
Albion QLD 4010
13 28 36
13 28 36
aveo.com.au
aveo.com.au
When you retire at Aveo Bridgeman
Downs, you retire in style. Within the When it comes to retirement living,
village you’ll nd beautifully maintained The Clay eld delivers a lifestyle with a
grounds and gardens, di erence. Set high on a hill just 6kms
and a quiet and from the Brisbane CBD, this village boasts
welcoming atmosphere. an air of elegance and
o ers a welcoming
Aveo Cleveland community environment

148 Smith Street, Aveo Cleveland
Cleveland, QLD 4163 Gardens

13 28 36 83 Freeth Street West,
Ormiston QLD 4160
aveo.com.au
13 28 36
Positioned in a quiet cul-de-sac amongst
native bushland, this village is a peaceful aveo.com.au
community, with the beautiful bayside
and relaxed islands of Set in a serene location, close to the
Moreton Bay just a sparkling waters of Moreton Bay is
stone’s throw away Aveo Cleveland Gardens. Transport is
easily accessible, with
Aveo Durack trains direct to Brisbane
and beyond.
356 Blunder Road,
Buderim QLD 4077 Aveo Lindsay Gardens

13 28 36 35 Lindsay Road, Buderim
QLD 4556
aveo.com.au
13 28 36
Aveo Durack’s latest stage is now complete,
presenting you with even more living aveo.com.au
options in this well established community.
Bordering a picturesque nature reserve, Located in the heart of charming Buderim,
your spacious villa feature Aveo Lindsay Gardens retirement village
quality nishes o ers a peaceful lifestyle, unrivalled
throughout. convenience and a unique, community
atmosphere in the
Aveo Manly Gardens Sunshine Coast
hinterland.
112 Whites Road, Manly
QLD 4176 Aveo Peregian Springs

13 28 36 21 Gracemere Blvd, Peregian
Springs QLD 4573
aveo.com.au
13 28 36
Close to Manly Harbour, this
well-established retirement living aveo.com.au
community is perched on a lovely elevated
site to catch the bay breezes. This vibrant Located in the desirable Peregian Springs
community is a short estate between Noosa and Maroochydore,
distance from Moreton and adjacent to an award winning
Bay and the Esplanade. championship 18-hole golf course, Aveo
Peregian Springs Country Club retirement
Aveo Sunnybank Green village o ers an exclusive
retirement lifestyle like
239 McCullough Street, no other.
Sunnybank QLD 4109
Aveo Taringa
13 28 36
1 Moore Street, Taringa
aveo.com.au QLD 4068

This village o ers a virtually maintenance- 13 28 36
free lifestyle, with access to amenities such
as a swimming pool, indoor and outdoor aveo.com.au
recreation facilities and a
range of social activities This tranquil resort-style retirement
and gatherings. living community is in an elevated
positioned, with beautiful views across
the leafy suburb and
adjoining parks, and just
6kms from Brisbane CBD.

Choose Your Retirement Village or Over 50’s Living 53 Join www.livewellclub.com.au

Aveo The Parks Living Gems
Lifestyle Resorts
1 Telford Street, Earlville
QLD 4870 Brisbane, Sunshine Coast,
Toowoomba
13 28 36
1800 785 594
aveo.com.au
www.livinggems.com.au
Set amongst tropical, landscaped
gardens is Aveo The Parks, a welcoming Live the lifestyle you deserve at
retirement community, within walking a price you can a ord in an international
distance to the Earlville award winning resort. Five star facilities
Shopping Centre, cafes, No entry or exit
movies and doctors. fees.

Lifestyle Villages Yukana Retirement
Village
94 Twyford Street,
Bundaberg 4670 258 Spring Street
Toowoomba Qld 4350
07 4155 1022
07 4631 5678
www.canevillage.com.au
www.yukana.org.au
Cane Village is located at the gateway
to the Southern Great Barrier Reef. Yukana provides all care levels from full
Set amongst beautiful independence to the provision of care
gardens with idyllic packages tailored to
weather in a secure unit residents’ speci c
environment. needs. Your wellbeing
is our priority.
River Glen Haven
Tranquil Waters
30 Beutel Street, Beachfront Retirement
Waterford West, QLD. 4133
31 Thompson St,
1800 656 025 Victoria Point, QLD, 4165

www.riverglenhaven.com.au 07 3207 0786

River Glen Haven – where the living is tranquilwaters.com.au
easy. Located within walking Tranquil Waters o ers exclusive beachfront
distance to major shopping centre, retirement close to every conceivable
transport and parklands with walk convenience with
ways and bike tracks. breathtaking views
across Moreton Bay
Renaissance and the Bay Islands.
Retirement Living
Woodbeck Village
36 Bunker Road, Victoria Point,
QLD, 4163 Woodbeck Street,
Beenleigh, QLD. 4207
07 3820 7700
07 3287 2885
www.rrl.net.au
Experience independent living at its very www.woodbeckvillage.com.au
best at Renaissance Victoria Point,
positioned in Redland Newly improved pensioner and
City about 30 retirement RENTAL accommodation.
kilometres south east New, refurbished air conditioned units
of central Brisbane. now available. A caring community
located close to Beenleigh railway station.
Prescare
Palm Lake Hervey Bay
1800 773 722
25-67 Pialba-Burrum Heads
www.prescare.org.au Road, Eli Waters, Qld, 4655

PresCare has been providing 1800 455 307
holistic care to Queenslanders for
more than 85 years. We have www.palmlakeresort.com.au
villages in Rockhampton,
Maryborough, Brisbane, Architectural designed villas to suit
Thornlands and this Bay side resort. Includes private
Mt Tambourine. resort recreational and
sports facilities,
surrounded by lush,
landscaped gardens.

To have your Retirement Village or
Over 50’s Living facility included in our listings,

please call us for details on

(07) 5579 8767

or contact us on:
[email protected]

54

YOUR
CHOICES

In-HSeormviec eCsare

SPECIAL FEATURE 55 | In-Home Care

Choosing A Home Join www.livewellclub.com.au
Care Provider

In the past, if your in-home care was government funded, then
there was only a small part that consumers played in terms of
who provided them services. As Customer Directed Care (CDC)
becomes a reality, this is all changing and consumers are more

empowered in the choice.

In-Home Care | 56 SPECIAL FEATURE

How do you find the Getting feedback on Unfortunately, the care provider
provider and what do you personal experiences is unlikely to have allocated any
ask? These are real individual staff members to you
questions that people are A good starting point is to talk to when you are making your
tackling. Here are some starting the people you know who are choice. Most likely, that will only
points of the areas to consider already using the providers you happen after you actually make
in making your choices that go are considering. If you are living your choice of provider and after
beyond the ‘gloss’ of the in a retirement village or over an internal discussion about
marketing materials. 50s community, the your needs, requirements and
management may be able to schedules.
Which are the practical introduce you to other residents
choices? using different providers for you However, if you are serious
to have a chat with and get about one or two providers, then
Different providers of in-home some feedback about. it is reasonable for you to ask
services have different coverage them to talk to you about the
and are approved for different If you don’t know anybody in people who they are likely to put
packages, so the first thing to do your network who is familiar with on your case, given your location
is to identify those that are likely the provider, then ask the and needs. Ask if you can meet
to be able to meet your provider for references you can these individuals. At the very
particular need and in your talk with. It is unlikely they will least, you would want to meet
situation. tell you of anybody who was with one of the supervisor for
unhappy with their service, but it your particular area.
There are a few reference points is still better to talk to a satisfied
for you. Firstly the government client than to nobody at all when Also get assurance that if you
website www.myagedcare.gov.au making a choice. are unhappy with the
allows you to search for service performance of the staff
providers with a number of The People assigned to you or if the
filters that can quickly narrow chemistry is simply not right,
down the potential providers for Perhaps the most important then the service provider will
you. You can also ask your ACAT aspect to be comfortable with is change the staff who provide
assessment team to provide you the actual people who will be your in-home services. Ask about
with a list of providers in your providing services to you and so the steps that you will need to
area. you want to be as specific about take and how fast these
this as possible. Whilst you do decisions about staff changes
Identifying the potential need to know about the level of are made. Don’t be afraid to ask
providers, however, is the easy training of staff and back up about some real examples and
part. Assessing which provider arrangements that a provider how the situations were
will be best for you is much may have, you should try to dig handled.
more difficult. deeper than this.

Remember that your needs change over
time, and sometime these can be very
rapid changes, so you have to gauge how
your provider of choice will be able to

manage this.

SPECIAL FEATURE 57 | In-Home Care

Ongoing Quality & homes and the escalation services or the network to be
Reliability process for complaints and able to cater for you or will you
problems. be going through the whole
Two of the most frequently process again at a time when
asked questions people have Expect your needs to you are least able to do so? Ask
are, “What happens if my home change the providers you are
care provider does not show considering how they stay
up?” and “Who do I talk to if I Remember that your needs flexible and how they help with
have a problem with the staff.” change over time, and sometime getting resources that they may
these can be very rapid not have themselves but which
These are two semi-related changes, so you have to gauge could be needed in the future.
questions that the providers you how your provider of choice will
are considering should be able be able to manage this. For As experience with CDC grows,
to answer straight away, and if instance if today you are pretty so will our understanding of the
they can’t, you probably want to mobile and need only minimal real drivers of services, real case
move on to the next provider on assistance at home, a provider studies and what makes for
your list. What you want to hear with a basic level of staff, skills good and not so good services.
in response is the process the and resources may be a good This is an evolving area, in which
provider has in place for these choice. However, tomorrow if you this list of areas to explore is
eventualities; the back-up team, have hip replacement or a fall, only a starting point that will get
the role of supervisors in the or are diagnosed with dementia, revisited often.
team, the surprise visits that your needs may change
supervisors make on staff when overnight. What then? Does your O50s
they are working in people’s provider have the variety of Australian Over 50s Living & Lifestyle Guide

Join www.livewellclub.com.au

In-Home Care | 58 Your Choices: In-Home Care Providers

St Ives Home Care St Ives Home Care
6/19 Cotton St Nerang
St Ives Home care, Brisbane, offers a large range of Government subsidised and Private Care
services to help you continue to enjoy your independence in the comfort of your own home. QLD 424
Packages are tailored around your specific needs or personal goals. Our services are provided Phone: 1300 20 20 06
throughout Brisbane and the Gold Coast. Home help or assistance with tasks that have www.stivesgroup.com.au
become a little difficult, to a range of home nursing services or allied health services, we can
customise a Home Care Package to suit your individual needs.

Contact St Ives Home Care in Brisbane, Queensland by telephoning 1300 20 20 06

ExcelCare ExcelCare
(Head Office) 69 Pattison
Living life the way you choose is possible. Excelcare Australia provide community based Street Emu Park QLD 4710
services to support aged people living at home and people with a disability to maintain their Phone: 1a300 952 273 or
independence in the community. Services include assistance with personal care, domestic,
shopping, transport, meals and home maintenance. In some cases, we can also assist with 07 4913 4800
in-home nursing and occupational therapy. Services are provided across the broader Central www.excelcare.com.au
Queensland Region from Mackay to Bundaberg/Wide Bay in the south. If you live outside of
these areas and require assistance, please get in touch and we will see if we can help.

All Aged Care All Aged Care
40 Roma St Brisbane 4003
All Aged Care has been providing high quality in-home community based support for over 18 years. www.allagedcare.com.au
We provide in-home community care to help maintain independence. Within our Commonwealth
Home Support Program (CHSP), we provide services such as Allied Health (Dietitian, Occupational Phone: 3238 6700
Therapy, Physiotherapy, Podiatry), Domestic services, Social Support (Group and Individual) including email:
respite and Transport. Our Home Care Packages, Levels 2 and 4 include case management, clinical
care, continence management, domestic assistance, meal preparation, respite, transport to [email protected]
appointments/shopping, social support, mobility and dexterity, nutrition and advocacy.

Come and experience our high quality of care. Contact us by telephoning 3238 6700

Bur Del Home Support Program Bur Del Home Support
Program
The Bur-Del Co-operative Advancement Society Limited is a not-for-profit Community organisation.
We strive to accommodate the housing needs of local Indigenous families and provide housing 114-118 Cameron Street,
assistance to the wider community through “Community Housing” and “Bur-Del Butterfly Lodge”. Ayr Qld 4807
Bur-Del Community Home Support Program offers services through the Commonwealth Home Care
Program, Commonwealth Home Support Program and Queensland Community Care Program, All Phone: 07 4783 4560
referrals can be made to our agency through My Aged Care upon approval of your assessment on
1800 200 422. Operating Hours Mon - Fri 8:30am - 4:30pm ex public and Christmas Holidays.

For enquiries contact us on (07) 4783 4560

Akooramak Care of Older Persons Akooramak Care of
Older Persons
Akooramak is a well-established Home Care, Residential & Respite Care provider serving the
Warwick community for over 130 years. Our Home Care services offer up to 7 days per week 276 - 269 Wood Street
service as needed with after-hours emergency contact. The types of assistance available Warwick
include: clinical & wound care, medication assistance, showering & personal hygiene, mobility
aids and equipment, housework, laundry, yard maintenance, shopping and assistance with Phone: (07) 4661 4100
transport for medical appointments and socialisation. We deliver freshly cooked meals from our www.akooramak.org.au
accredited kitchen up to 7 days per week, including public holidays. Contact us now to discuss
the kind of help you need.

Your Choices: In-Home Care Providers 59 | In-Home Care

Carers Link Carers Link
PO Box 620,
Carers Link provides quality, personalised care for people with a disability, the elderly, and Wynnum Qld 4178
carers. We are committed to delivering innovative, person centred services, focussing on Phone: 3901 1165
the individual’s needs and goals to assist them to live independently, and empower them to www.carerslink.com.au
live the life they choose. We provide personal, practical and lifestyle support through our
team of dedicated, qualified staff. Our services are available 24 hours a day, all year round
and include: In home & personal care, Domestic assistance, Respite care, Community
access, Host Home & Day Respite Home Care, Camp Ability™ holiday program, social
programs and Supported Accommodation.

Prescare Prescare
Level 3, 19 Lang Parade
For more than 20 years, PresCare has been helping Queenslanders to live independently and
stay at home as long as possible, keeping clients more connected through a holistic range of Milton QLD 4006
in-home services such as domestic assistance, garden maintenance, meal preparation, allied Phone: 1800 773 722
health as well as nursing, respite and social activities. We also offer access to an extensive www.prescare.org.au
range of mobility equipment through Walk on Wheels and a food delivery service of gourmet,
home-style meals through Contented Chef. Our mission is to keep our clients more connected
to their family, friends, community and social activities that are important to them.

Centacare Centacare
Cathedral House, Level 1
Centacare Brisbane is a large, vibrant and well respected community organisation that for
more than 50 years has been providing support services to the people of South East 229 Elizabeth Street,
Queensland. Centacare is focused on ensuring that you as a member of our community is Brisbane Qld 4000
able to maintain your quality of life and live independently in your own home. With choice and
flexibility in mind, Centacare provides a of range of services including, domestic and social Phone: 1300 236 822
support, personal care, transport, respite, home safety, dementia support, and allied health. www.centacarebrisbane.net.au

IRT Lifestyle & Care IRT Lifestyle & Care
Phone: 1800 024 915
Live Your Way with IRT In-Home Care www.irt.org.au

Whether it’s for medical reasons or just to free yourself from household tasks, IRT In-Home Wesley Mission
Care can offer the help you need, in the place you feel most comfortable. We’re available to Phone: 1800 4 937539
help you live the life you want, while remaining in the comfort of your own home. Some of the www.wmb.org.au
services we offer include:General Support, Personal Care & Clinical Care.

Give us a call today to find out how we can help you.

1800 024 915 Irt.org.au Join www.livewellclub.com.au

Wesley Mission

Wesley Mission Brisbane is a leading provider of services for older people. Whether you need
a helping hand at home every now and then, a weekly hydrotherapy class to keep healthy,
Wesley Mission Brisbane has the right service and expertise to support you. Our community
care services offer a range of support options for seniors living in the community, helping
people to remain at home, and maintain their independence. Services include in-home care
(personal care, grocery shopping, nursing support), assisted transport, home maintenance &
modification services, domestic assistance, and social support.

In-Home Care | 60 SPECIAL FEATURE

Take The First Steps -

In-Home Care

Last year more than 1 million Australians received aged care
assistance, only around 220,000 of them resided in an aged care
facility. Which means that about 80% of people who receive aged

care assistance lived at home – surprised?

Let’s look at what getting care at home involves.

What care can you get? allocates for their care needs by The assessment of your care
nominating the services they needs can often be conducted
The starting point, if you have would like to receive and who over the phone by asking you
basic care needs, is the they would like to provide those questions about your health and
Commonwealth Home Support services. safety details of any support
Programme (CHSP). The CHSP services you are currently
brings together a number of In addition to the government receiving and looking at support
services including the provision of funded services there are also services that could assist you. In
meals (often through the meals private care services, which are some cases you may be referred
on wheel programme), transport often used to “top up” a care to the Regional Assessment
to appointments, respite stays, package or provide support Service or the Aged Care
home maintenance and domestic following a stay in hospital or Assessment Team to clarify your
help. while someone is waiting to care needs and the services that
receive care. The type of services would be most appropriate.
If your care needs are higher a you can receive and the cost will
Home Care Package may be vary from one provider to another If you are wanting to access a
better suited to you. Home Care so it is best to contact them Home Care Package your care
Packages provide a higher level directly. needs will be assessed by the
care and can also assist with local Aged Care Assessment
domestic help, home Who assesses my care Team (commonly known as the
modifications and transport. needs? ACAT). The assessment can be
Since 1 July 2015 all Home Care carried out in the ACAT offices
Packages have been delivered on To access a Commonwealth which are often part of a local
a consumer directed care basis. Home Support Programme hospital or a member of the ACAT
This means that the care service you will need to contact Team may come to your house.
recipient can control the budget the government’s My Aged Care The ACAT team is made up of a
of money the government contact centre on 1800 200 422. group of health professionals, but

There are four levels of Home Care Packages:

Home Care Level 1 – to support people with basic care needs.
Home Care Level 2 – to support people with low level care needs.
Home Care Level 3 – to support people with intermediate care needs.
Home Care Level 4 – to support people with high care needs.

SPECIAL FEATURE 61 | In-Home Care

you will probably only speak to or maybe an over $9.85p.d. while people with
one or two of them. They will look 55’s community income higher than the full age
at your daily activities and ask while accessing pension can also be asked to pay
you about the things you are care and support. an Income Tested Care Fee.
comfortable doing for yourself
and the things you need What does it Rachael Lane
assistance with. Their cost? Aged Care Gurus
assessment will determine if you www.retirementhandbook.com.au
are eligible to receive a Home The cost of a
Care Package and may also CHSP service will
include approval for respite care depend on the
or permanent care in an aged service and the
care facility. Just because you are service provider
approved doesn’t mean you need so it is best to
to use a particular service. If just discuss this
means that you can if you wish. before you start
Bear in mind too that there can receiving a
be long waits for some services service.
even if you are approved.
The amount you need to pay
Getting care in your own home for a Home Care Package will
means you can live where you depend on your (and if applicable
want to, whether that’s in your your partner’s) income. Everyone
family home, a granny flat, a can be asked to pay the Basic
caravan park, a retirement village Daily Fee which is currently

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In-Home Care | 62 Need A Doctor at Home?

HOUSE Call Doctor has brought back the traditional “house call”

helping thousands of Queensland residents each week with 100

percent, bulk-billed home visits.
Thousands of patients are
turning to House Call Doctor “It gives people peace of mind “In the past a lot of our patients
for help in the middle of the and that is what residents and would have gone to a hospital
night and on weekends; across visitors to the holiday areas are emergency, now we send a doctor
the Wide Bay, Brisbane, Gold and telling our Doctors. By calling a to their door and it doesn’t leave
Sunshine Coasts, Toowoomba, House Call Doctor they get to wait them a cent out of pocket.”
Rockhampton, Gladstone, in the comfort of their own home
Townsville and Cairns – with more or hotel room and have doctor House Call Doctor is a 100
locations set to open. come to them,” Mr Ormond said. percent, bulk billed service for
everyone with a Medicare or
House Call Doctor Chief Executive Doctor reports show people over Department of Veteran Affairs
Officer Wayne Ormond said: the age of 50, retirees and mums Card or a fee can be paid if
“House Call Doctor takes the are finding the service particularly visiting from overseas.
worry out of being sick when your helpful.
regular GP is closed”.

Patients can call 13 55 66 or book online at www.housecalldoctor.com.au



In-Home Care | 64 What Services Can Be Included
In-Home Care Packages?

The types of services eligible your doctor or attend social • Level 3 supports people with
people get under a Home activities intermediate care needs
Care Package will depend on
your needs. Your service provider • personal care – such as help • Level 4 supports people with
will work in partnership with you to with showering or bathing, high-level care needs.
identify your goals and needs. Your dressing and mobility
service provider will also work with Each package level is funded at
you to co-design the best ways to • nursing, allied health and other different amounts paid by the
deliver those care and services so clinical services – hearing Australian Government to the
you can live a more active and services and vision services service provider that delivers care
independent life. The services that and services to you.
can be provided in a Home Care • care coordination and case
Package include, but are not management. This information is indicative only
limited to: and was extracted from the
There are four levels of Home Care government website
• support services – such as help Packages which can give you www.myagedcare.gov.au and you
with washing and ironing, house the care and services you need: should visit it for further
cleaning, gardening, basic home information on what is available in
maintenance, home • Level 1 supports people with home care packages, how to
modifications related to your basic care needs access them, eligibility and also
care needs, and transport to the types items that are not
help you with shopping, visit • Level 2 supports people with covered by home care packages
low-level care needs

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The Ageing Population

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Fall Prevention CCTV

Logging Software

Wandering Devices- Systems
suited to small or large scale

Diallers for Independent Living
or At Home Care

Savica can also offer solutions to MATV & telephony for any type of facility

Ph: 0755601009

www.savica.com.au

In-Home Care | 66 HEARING LOSS

The financial and
social impact

Many people are aware that their hearing is not what it used to be
but dismiss it as a normal incident of aging, or are too

embarrassed to seek help. They don’t appreciate the costs of
hearing loss or the negative impact it can have on their health

and well being.

Costs Of Hearing Loss Signs Of Hearing Loss What Should I Do?

Hearing loss comes at both a The signs of hearing loss can If you or your family member are
financial and social cost to arise slowly over a long period of experiencing any of the signs of
society. time or come about suddenly, hearing loss, visit a hearing
without warning. Common healthcare professional without
The financial costs have been indications that you might have a further delay.
estimated at 1.4% of GDP or problem include:
$11.75 billion. FAST FACTS
• Having difficulty following
Research has consistently conversations with more than 1 in 6
demonstrated that a reduced two people Australians are
ability to communicate also has a
significant social cost, seriously • Having difficulty hearing in effected by
impacting an individual’s noisy situations like hearing loss
personal relationships and restaurants, shopping centres
potentially leading to isolation or sporting events 3 in 4 people
and withdrawal. Social over 70 have
interaction is an important factor • Having your TV or radio turned some level of
in staying healthy for older adults. up to a high volume
hearing
Studies have linked untreated • Having ringing in your ears impairment
hearing loss to:
• Feeling annoyed with other 1 in 4
• irritability, negativity and anger people because you can’t hear Australians
or understand them will suffer
• fatigue, tension, stress and hearing loss
depression • Withdrawing from social
situations because of difficulty by 2050
• avoidance or withdrawal from hearing
social situations
• Having a family history of
• reduced alertness and hearing loss
increased risk to personal
safety • Having diabetes, heart,
circulation or thyroid problems
• impaired memory and ability to
learn new tasks • Having been exposed to very
loud sounds over a long
• reduced job performance and period.
earning capacity.

With amplified audio the
built in screen displays the
text of the other party’s
conversation.

HWcetyooalloomnrrufeNoirntmarorsonmoywcofoyfuiracrroTtehaw2icp:s3apiB0sloyldineOinogtKcmttosoeernet

www.accesscomm.com.au

[email protected]

Catch every word with CapTel

68

YOUR
CHOICES

Aged Care 

SPECIAL FEATURE 69 | Aged Care

Putting the HEART

back into Aged Care

In this article we looked at the human aspect of
Aged Care, by looking at how some Aged Care
operators ensure the best and most caring result

for their residents.

Basic building blocks such as consider whether that is the way I would Davida Webb Join www.livewellclub.com.au
training and staff selection have a want my own mother to be looked after Regional Director, Bupa
large impact. if she were in my aged care facility. It’s a
standard that very quickly tells you if you Queensland and
PresCare’s CEO, Greg Skelton leads an are doing something well enough” Northern Rivers
organisation that prides itself on client-
focused care but understands that this Aged care is definitely a people industry, Peter Bell,
can only be achieved by having the right therefore having the right people and CEO, Southern Cross
employees, trained well, and fully training them right is probably the most
engaged in delivering the best outcome vital single ingredient to delivering Care, Queensland
for each individual and their family. services in a respectful and caring way.
Greg Skelton
“PresCare has four core values - two of According to Peter, “The quality of CEO, PresCare
which are Care and Respect – and form service and the spirit in which it is
the foundation for not just “what” we do delivered is very much dependent on Brett Mullen
as an organisation, but also “HOW” we individual staff members and their Managing Director,
do it…transforming the lives of those we attitude. Aged care work requires a very
serve. It’s more than words on a wall. compassionate, optimistic and strong Yukana
person.
“Our team of professionals work closely
with our clients and their families to get Greg strongly believes that “the best
to know them and ensure their needs aged care workers not only have the
are identified, agreed upon, and is then natural affinity towards helping people,
delivered how they want it - another of but have a passion for it. The drive to
our core values. It is a very holistic provide exceptional customer service is
approach where we respect that each of key, along with patience and
our clients are unique and what care compassion. At PresCare our vision is to
plan may work for one, may not keep our clients connected to what is
necessarily work for another.” important in their lives as well as
building long-term relationships with our
Peter Bell, CEO of Southern Cross Care staff that care for, and support them.
Queensland puts his philosophy very Providing a workforce that is
succinctly. “Whenever I want to judge predominantly permanent ensures
whether the service we are providing is continuity of care and a familiar friendly
good enough, the standard I use is to face.”

Aged Care | 70 SPECIAL FEATURE

“It is all about the people element in
care, having the right staff with the right
heart for the people that they are caring

for, which is key for us.”

According to Brett Mullen, in a compassionate and caring their careers in aged care and
Managing Director for Yukana way at every step and to we now have 21% of our care
Aged Care, “It is all about the everybody involved.” and clinical managers derived
people element in care, having from this alumnus.”
the right staff with the right Brett believes that, “If you ask
heart for the people that they employees to be great, then the The processes in place in an
are caring for, which is key for organisation needs to be great aged care facility at the time of
us. When we are employing as well.” Yukana is known for entry and thereafter will also
staff we look for people who treating people as people and greatly affect the resident’s
firstly have certain types of not a number, this includes the experience. For instance, it is
attributes, i.e. they have a real staff, by treating our staff with easy to understand that moving
desire to work with ageing the same values we ask them into aged care would be a
people (heart), they have values to give to our residents, we see stressful time for both the
that serve our residents well i.e. these values outworked to our person entering aged care and
respect, dignity, and honour. residents. “It’s pretty simple their loved ones and the way in
They are compassionate and understanding in life, treat which the transition is handled
flexible in their work duties, as others as you would want to be will affect the rest of the
you never know what is going to treated.” When asked about the resident’s experience.
come up in the day in the life of use of agency staff, Brett’s reply
a resident, and our staff need surprised us, as they do not use Brett explains that Yukana has
to be able to delivery the any agency staff, as they a very personal way to integrate
highest possible care needed in believe the best way to make a new resident into the
that circumstance.” sure residents are being treated community of Yukana, thus
as a person, is to have people helping them transition. The
A successful aged care worker that really get to know the answer is simple, we actually
is therefore a very special resident by being with them spend time with a new resident
person who can thrive on each day.” having two staff whose main
human interactions even focus is customer service and
towards the end of the life Whilst each aged care operator relationship, who help integrate
journey and then repeat the has its own solution for staff a new resident into a
experience many times over. training, in-house training is welcoming, caring and engaging
becoming increasingly popular. community. Sometimes people
According to Davida Webb, who Davida explains, “Bupa is can feel that moving into an
is Bupa Aged Care’s Regional training its future leaders Aged Care community that they
Director for Queensland and the through its Graduate Nurse will lose their independence but
Northern Rivers, “Getting the Leadership Program. Over the this is simply not the case
right people is absolutely last five years we have recruited nowadays. A potential resident
fundamental. After this, you over 200 graduate nurses who sometimes will talk about their
need to put in place very have enjoyed the additional own visit to their own mum or
effective training and support development and opportunity dad in an aged care facility
systems to equip your that our program offers. During some 30 years ago which they
employees to do the things that this time, we have seen our say was not a good experience
are needed to deliver services graduates grow and pursue for them. Their main concern

Aged Care

I’m seen for
who I am.

Our residents’ health and care
is our reason for being, that’s
why we put the person first in
everything we do.

To find out more about our personlised care, please contact one of our Queensland homes:

Bupa Ballina Bupa Merrimac Bupa Rangeville
02 6681 0200 07 5522 9888 1300 302 350

Bupa Banora Point Bupa Mt Sheridan Bupa Runaway Bay
07 5506 3100 07 4036 1498 07 5665 2800

Bupa Cairns Bupa New Farm Bupa Toowoomba
07 4037 6300 07 3358 2944 07 4632 3278

Bupa Glenvale Bupa Pottsville Beach Bupa Tugun
07 4634 2222 02 6676 0122 07 5586 4000

bupa.com.au/aged-care

Aged Care | 72 SPECIAL FEATURE

“Keeping people socially connected to
their friends, family and community

plays an important role in maintaining
their identity.”

was being able to still maintain sponsored Golf Queensland’s “As part of this, we work with
their own independence if they Senior Order of Merit series of the resident and their loved
moved into an aged care facility. events – it’s not just about ones to develop a ‘map of life’,
At Yukana we are able to show keeping people independent at which showcases what is
and reassure them that things home, but connected to their important to the resident,
have changed over the years community.” things that they are passionate
which will allow them to remain about and things that make
as independent as their ageing Maintaining and encouraging them happy. It also empowers
process will allow with dignity, individuality is recognized as the care team to get to know
honour and respect. It is in being a key component of the about the resident’s past,
close consultation with the satisfactions level of aged care family, hobbies, likes, dislikes
resident and their family that residents. Another is to and basically what makes them
we are able to provide solutions encourage continuing outside tick.”
that allows the resident not to connections through family and
feel disempowered but friends and the networks “This information is really
empowered to make choices in people have outside the aged important to know as it
regards to their own life again, care facility. empowers us to develop an
which has a real and positive understanding of the individual
impact upon the life of the According to Peter, “One of our who is being entrusted to our
resident. I quite often get major objectives is to retain the care, and develop a
comments like “I wish I had contact that our residents have personalised care plan for
come to Yukana early” or “It has with their friends and families them.”
been so easy for me since I and also to build new
move here”. relationships with the This type of thinking about
community at large. individualised care processes
As Greg states, “We at PresCare and the well thought out
strongly believe that keeping So for instance, many of our foundation of building teams
people socially connected is properties have onsite cafes based on core values of service
imperative for a healthy mind that are open to the public. This and care giving are the
and body. Keeping people has been a great hit, as foundations of providing
socially connected to their outsiders and our residents mix exceptional service in aged
friends, family and community in a friendly and informal care. And how do you know if
plays an important role in atmosphere.” you are providing exceptional
maintaining their identity.” care – there really is no better
Bupa has formalised the need standard than Peter’s earlier
“There are a number of for individuality into their observation, “Imagine you are
programs in Queensland that resident care processes. looking after your own mother
PresCare has created to help and you’ll be able to judge
keep people more connected. According to Davida, We pride whether your service is the best
Friendships clubs, Men’s Clubs, ourselves on our ‘Person-First’ or not.”
High Tea’s and regular social approach to care, which means
outings are just some of the we get to know each and every O50s
initiatives that we have one of our residents on an Australian Over 50s Living & Lifestyle Guide
implemented to reduce the individual level, and tailor their
likelihood of social isolation care and support to meet their
occurring. We have also individual needs and
preferences.”



Aged Care | 74 SPECIAL FEATURE

Aged Care Costs

Aged care decisions, whether they are for yourself or a loved
one, are complex and the choices people face are far more
diverse than simply stay at home or move into an aged care
facility. Of course if the decision is made to move to residential
aged care, that doesn’t necessarily mean that the decisions
become easier. The way in which you pay for care can impact on
your pension entitlement, tax, estate planning wishes and even

the cost of care itself.

Firstly, it’s important to understand that the cost of residential aged care
has three components: the cost of accommodation, the cost of care and

the cost of personal expenses.

Accommodation Care Costs Lifestyle Expenses
Costs

Lump Sum Basic Daily Fee Extra Services
Daily Charge Means Tested Care Fee Additional Services
Combination Personal Expenses

Accommodation Costs sum amount is $350,000, the A common misconception about
Daily Accommodation Payment aged care facilities is “if I don’t
You can choose to pay for your would be $58.88p.d. But you have any money I won’t get in”.
cost of accommodation by a may decide to pay $200,000 by In reality most aged care
Lump Sum, Daily Charge or a lump sum and $150,000 by facilities need to keep a ratio of
combination of the two. Aged daily charge of $25.23p.d. people who are financially
Care Facilities are required to disadvantaged to receive
publish the price of their Any amount you pay as a lump funding from the government.
accommodation on their sum will be exempt from the Known as low means residents,
website and in their brochures calculation of pension these people pay a calculated
as well as on the government’s entitlement. However, it will be amount (sometimes zero)
My Aged Care website. included in your assets for the based on their assets and
aged care means test. income. Just like market price
The daily charge is calculated payers, they can choose to pay
based on the amount of Your lump sum is guaranteed by for their accommodation by a
lump sum outstanding at a the government and will lump sum, daily charge or
government set interest rate, generally be refunded to you or combination.
as at 20 September 2015 it is your estate shortly after you
6.14%. For example, if the lump leave the facility. continued page 76



Aged Care | 76 SPECIAL FEATURE

continued from page 74

Care Costs Income is assessed based on cases a carer or close relative.
Centrelink’s income test for the If you are a member of a
The basic daily fee, set at 85% pension. Assets both within couple, your assets and income
of the Age pension, applies to Australia and overseas are are assessed on a 50/50
everyone. assessed at the market value. basis.
A capped value of $157,987
Your ability to contribute applies to your former home Your means tested care fee
beyond the basic fee is based unless a protected person is cannot exceed your cost of
on your (and if applicable your living there. A protected person care and is capped at $25,731
partner’s) assets and income, includes your spouse or annually. There is also a
known as the means tested dependent child or in some lifetime limit across all forms of
care fee. care of $61,755.

The formula is:

50c per dollar of income above $25,488p.a (single)
$25,020p.a each (couple) +

17.5% of assets between $46,000 to $157,987 +

1% of assets between $157,987 and $381,962 +

2% of assets above $381,962

Lifestyle Expenses

No matter which facility you choose,
you need to meet the cost of you own
personal expenses. Some facilities
provide extra services or additional
services to their residents. These
services often include a choice of
meals, beer and wine at meal times,
newspapers, hairdressing, massages
and outings. The services may be
provided as a “set menu” or you may
have the choice to receive none, some
or all of the services. The range of
services and the fees associated with
them vary from one facility to another
so you should speak to the individual
facility manager.

Choosing the best way
to fund the cost of
aged care requires
specialist financial
advice.

Rachel Lane

SPECIAL FEATURE 77 | Aged Care

DementiaCaring for the person with

Dementia poses unique challenges when the person with
Dementia is in an Aged Care facility or is receiving In-Home
care. In spite of the many challenges, however, the problems
are better understood and advances are being made in the
delivery of services to people with Dementia. Alzheimer’s

Queensland share some of these in this article.

Auniqueness of dementia is • Appropriately matching aged- Physical design Join www.livewellclub.com.au
that there is an enormous care staff with the person with
range of causes and how dementia, as best as possible. Our residential homes are home-
they impact or present can For example, an 89 year old like and the multi-service centres
markedly differ from person to man may not feel comfortable are your everyday suburban
person. Depending on the cause getting help showering and home. The centre and facilities
the person’s key issue could be dressing from a 21 year old are set-up to emulate the
memory or in other cases care worker. domestic environment as this is
hallucinations. That said, there what the person with dementia is
are a number of areas that are • Taking the time to build able to understand and pick up
particularly important. rapport with the person with intuitive cues on how to be and
dementia and then explaining use the spaces.
Managing resistance the task prior to launching. For
to care example, during feeding or The physical design in fact is a
meal times the care worker is specific skill area. For instance,
As the course of dementia seated next to the person with intuitively one would think that it
progresses, many individuals will dementia, at eye level and is best to remove the rugs in the
require assistance with daily engaged in conversation. This home with a person with
personal care tasks such as is important even if there is no dementia. However, it is very
bathing, dressing, eating, oral return conversation. important to consider if there is
hygiene and toileting. another way that the situation
‘Resistance-to-care’ or ‘refusal for Focusing on skills and can be modified. For example, is
care’ is a commonly reported interests there a way to stick down the
issue from aged care staff when corners to keep the rugs in place,
caring for a person with dementia In terms of our approach in care because the rugs themselves
and it poses a unique challenge. scenarios or arrangements in our could have been an old
Often the resistance is due to community centres and environmental cue for the person
fear and unfamiliarity of the place residential facilities, in both to understand where in the home
or person. Strategies to mitigate settings we focus on the skills they are.
this challenge include: and interests they have now and
what was important to them in At Alzheimer’s Queensland we
• Incorporating services early their lives before. At all times we have Occupational Therapists and
after diagnosis so the person encourage inclusion, but respect an Interior Designer on staff and
with dementia can adjust to that some people prefer their own have staff who have undergone
progressive increases in space as well. specialist education in Dementia
assistance. Design principles.

Aged Care | 78 SPECIAL FEATURE

Taking the time to build rapport with the
person with dementia and then explaining

the task prior to launching

Family inclusion care plan and adjust the have issues with swallowing at
intervention or plan to meet our some point. This is where the
For us, families are part of the clients’/residents’ and carers’ skills and knowledge of a speech
deal and we work with them evolving needs. For our pathologist are very important.
collaboratively, as they wish and residential facilities we also work Across all our facilities, all
are able. Also important to note is closely with specialists and have residents/admissions are
people receiving home care are video-conferencing in place for screened by a speech pathologist
often resistant to having a paid specialists’ input to minimize the who develops an appropriate
carer in their home as they see it trauma of going for and waiting monitoring plan and strategies to
as an invasion of their space. We for appointments. support good intake. Where
do see an increased acceptance necessary dieticians are also
of care, when the person with Nutrition engaged. All residential staff
dementia becomes accustomed undergo comprehensive training
to a particular staff member, Another common challenge for which includes education on how
hence it is important to maintain people with dementia is poor to recognise difficulties in
consistency of staff and avoid a nutrition and weight loss. swallowing and how to support
high turnover of the staff. Especially people with dementia the person with dementia to eat
living alone in the community well.
Ongoing review and being at high risk. This occurs as
adjustment the person forgets to eat and also Respect for the person with
because they find it challenging dementia is central to all our
Bear in mind that dementia is a to execute the steps of the caregiving and we are always
progressive disease and the cooking task. Poor nutrition then finding new ways to improve the
person will also undergo changes leads to secondary complications service and quality of life for the
with the disease progression in such as confusion, higher fall people we care for.
their demeanour and their rates etc. Nutritional support is
abilities. Understanding the highly important for people with Courtesy of Alzheimer’s Queensland.
progressive changes, we have a dementia.
system of continual review of If you need further information or guidance,
each client/resident’s support or Our observations are that 9 out of
10 people with dementia will you can contact Alzheimer’s Queensland.

www.alzheimersonline.org

Tel: 1800 639 331

As we get older, life changes may cause us to reassess our future and adjust our
lifestyle. We may need to make decisions about the type of care we need and
where we may live. Facing these choices and challenges, older Australians
everyday seek services of the Alzheimer’s Queensland.

Dementia Care Hub Dementia Design Services

Aged Care Homes Community Respite

Dementia Education CDC Home Care Packages

1800 639 331
24 hour 7 day Free Call Advice Line

www.alzheimersonline.org

email: [email protected]

Aged Care | 80 iHmowptroovsetaqyuawlietyll and
of life

Maintaining cognitive function is an essential part of leading
a long, happy and fulfilling life. But in a society so reliant on

medication, it’s easy to disconnect with wellness and the
everyday steps you can take to improve cognitive function.
Whether you wish to minimise the risk of acquiring Dementia
or Cognitive Impairment, or you have been diagnosed with
one of these conditions, there are things you can do to that

may improve your cognition and your quality of life.

In your diet, preservatives and medication and an appropriate of Nursing, and he commented
food colours may affect your wellness program designed to on the high dosage of anti-
blood brain barrier, contributing manage their behaviours and psychotics, which was reduced
to cognitive impairment and improve quality of life. two months later.
causing behavioural
disturbances. To reduce your risk Wellness refers to many aspects Very quickly we began to see a
of this, try to avoid food products of healthcare, including five change for the better. Over the
with trans-fats, food additives and senses stimulation, a holistic view following months, mum’s general
most salicylates. Additives to of health and, where possible, a demeanour improved significantly
eliminate from your diet include reduction or complete cessation – she was more stable and slowly
MSG 620-625, Sorbates 200- of psychotropic medications. began to make new friends. Now
203, Benzoates 210-213, she talks and laughs more, her
Sulphites 220-228 and Nitrites Holistic wellness, a healthy mind, posture has improved, and she is
249-252. healthy emotions, a healthy standing more upright and
lifestyle, healthy diet and a walking! Thankfully, the earlier
In addition to diet, a review of healthy environment all may help the depression is no longer
medication can also be beneficial to improve cognitive function. evident and she now brags about
for some patients. Almost all how much she can walk. She
people diagnosed with Dementia Reference “Mum had paranoia, enjoys her weekly outing visiting
will exhibit some form of hallucinations and was very her old neighbour, where they
Behavioural Symptoms depressed in hospital for five enjoy four hours of crosswords.
Associated with Dementia weeks. Eventually, she was Overall our mother is happier, she
(BPSD). Unfortunately, many prescribed a heavy dose of an initiates conversation again and
people are prescribed with anti-psychotic drug and later her memory has improved.
psychotropic medications to mask released from hospital. For a year Mum’s “spark” has returned and
or control these behaviours, and mum lived with different family the whole family is happier.” –
these medications can have members before being assessed Leah Cooper
severe side effects. Patients in by ACAT. She was still depressed,
this situation may benefit from a non-communicative, suspicious,
reduction in psychotropic lethargic, sullen and unhappy. We
met with Clayton Rickert, Director

Over the past seven years, Clayton Rickert’s DemenƟa Wellness Program and Acute Care 81 | Aged Care
Program have only been accessible via referral from Geriatricians. In July 2016, however, his
programs will be available to the general public, home carers and aged care faciliƟes. Rather than
focusing on sickness, these programs promote each person’s capacity for wellness.

Returning aged care paƟents to Assessing your cogniƟve funcƟon How you can help your local Join www.livewellclub.com.au
independent living community
The first exercise in the DemenƟa
Clayton recently returned one aged care Wellness Program is a simple a puzzle. One of the ways we give back to the
resident to community living following a There is no right or wrong way to do it – community is by sharing informaƟon
substanƟal cogniƟve improvement. It’s so give it a go for yourself. about the quality of aged care faciliƟes
Ɵme for doctors and aged care providers across Australia. But we can’t do it alone.
to review their care models and place a Firstly, ask yourself the following
larger focus on holisƟc, individualised quesƟons to awaken different areas of As an ACRAA Aged Care Site Auditor, you
wellness. Removing certain preservaƟves your brain. can help us to gather detailed
and arƟficial colours from diets, 1. What does wellness mean for me? informaƟon to share with people facing
understanding emoƟonal needs and five 2. What is my understanding of my the important decision of selecƟng an
senses sƟmulaƟon are all part of emoƟonal needs? aged care centre. These audits also
Clayton’s approach to holisƟc wellness. Next select a leƩer, either O or X. Then empower you to give a voice to the
choose a square and start filling in the people in aged care and advocate their
“An excepƟonal success rate for paƟents enƟre grid with your chosen leƩer. Take rights.
with impaired cogniƟve funcƟon” note of whether you move up and down,
leŌ to right or diagonally when Our dedicated auditors visit aged care
Three years ago, Clayton showed his compleƟng the grid. Here’s an example: centres in their local areas twice a year.
programs at the DCRC NaƟonal DemenƟa Together with three other auditors, they
Research Forum at Queensland Now try for yourself speak with management, residents,
University of Technology. Since then, families and staff at each facility. Then
many senior Geriatricians and How did you go? There are a few layers to they provide us with informaƟon about
Consultants have conƟnually referred this exercise. the quality of the centre, which is
paƟents to the DemenƟa Wellness Firstly, the leƩers X and O signify your published on our website for the
Program and the Acute Care Program, need for emoƟonal support. X indicates community to access.
with posiƟve results for paƟents. you are likely in need of more emoƟonal
support, while O shows that you are This is an incredibly rewarding way to
“Savings millions for the Queensland saƟsfied in this area. The paƩern also give back to the community and you do
healthcare system from unnecessary shows how your mind is operaƟng. If you not need any experience to become an
admissions” started at the leŌ, the creaƟve side of auditor. Your training is $500 per year and
your brain is engaged. If you chose the this includes all sessions as well as a
Reference: “Clayton’s knowledge of the right-hand side, your intellectual capacity naƟonal police cerƟficate applicaƟon and
industry was very impressive and allowed is dominaƟng. Whether you moved up, insurance.
our dad to remain on a full pension. Our down or diagonally also shows when your
father entered under the DemenƟa mind and stressors are most acƟve. Email [email protected] to secure
Wellness Program. AŌer two months in place as an auditor.
the secure unit, his cogniƟon improved
and dad now resides in the high care Clayton Rickert RN is the founder of the
area. He has improved so much that DemenƟa Wellness Program and the
when we take dad shopping he can recall Acute Care Program. With more than
items we purchased. All I can say is 10 years of experience in aged care, he
amazing! Clayton’s clinical skills and is dedicated to improving the quality of
knowledge of DemenƟa was beƩer than life for people with DemenƟa or
any DemenƟa doctor we visited. I feel I CogniƟve Impairment.
have my dad back and I couldn't be
happier.” – Jackeline To find out more about your results,
email [email protected] for a free
assessment.

Aged Care Residents of Australia

Email: [email protected]

82

YOUR
CHOICES

Healthcare &
Medicine

ARTICLE 83 | Healthcare & Medicine

Improving Health
in your 50s, 60s, 70s and senior years

There is no doubt that as the decades stack up, there are
many changes in your body and the environment, that will
affect your health. Your metabolism slows down, there is
menopause, skin problems, eyesight and a host of other

changes. However, there is plenty of good news too.

Many of the ailments of Hearing symptoms. The process is
aging now have solutions different for everybody and
or ways of making the About one third of over 65s have fortunately not everybody suffers
changes in health less drastic or hearing problems of one sort or from all the symptoms. The very
at least more comfortable. Here another that result in reduced lucky women suffer no symptoms
are some of the areas where you hearing. Hearing loss can have a at all.
can expect changes, as you get greater impact than the obvious
further along your life journey. one of reduced communication – The Good news:
it can also lead to depression, There have been many advances in
Metabolism loneliness and social withdrawal both hormone replacement therapy
with all the accompanying health and natural remedies that alleviate
Technically, metabolism is the implications. the symptoms of menopause to
rate at which your body converts varying degrees. Some are effective
food into energy and your basal The Good news: for one lot of symptoms but not
metabolic rate or BMR is the There is a plethora of hearing aids. others, so experimentation in this
calories used for bodily functions. Cost can be an issue and generally period of life seems to be a common
Everybody has a different rate, the more invisible an aid the more occurrence. And yes- our old favourite
but an often-quoted statistic is expensive it will be. Other items that – exercise. Regular exercise will help
that your metabolism slows down assist are directional microphones to reduce depression and anxiety
around 5% every 10 years. The that boost sound coming towards both of which are very common
reduction is related to muscle you, telephone switches that cut out symptoms of menopause.
size and the number of cells in background noise and even screen
your organs. telephones that can translate voice Heart
to text for you at very impressive
speeds. The heart walls thicken and the
valves in your heart get a little
The Good News: Menopause stiffer, increasing the risk of Join www.livewellclub.com.au
As a less active body burns less stroke and heart disease.
calories, you can increase activity to This is of course the big one for
burn up more calories, reduce the every woman. Pre-menopause The Good news:
and menopause can continue for Deaths from heart disease have
intake by simply eating smaller a number of years and there are decreased globally. In Australia, the
portions, not eating empty carbs, and a myriad of symptoms caused by decrease has been some 70% since
also look at doing weight training to the hormonal changes in the the 1970s. Part of the improvement
build up that muscle size which will female body. These can include is because of improved treatment
increase your metabolic rate. There is anxiety, weight gain, hot flushes, and partly because of improved
mood swings and so on – in fact prevention. The good news is that you
also some evidence to suggest that there are commonly believed to can take control of the prevention
Chilli peppers, ginger, and turmeric be some 35 to 40 common side, through appropriate exercise
have some effect on increasing routines and eating right.
metabolism – sounds like “bring on
the curry” – all three are key

ingredients in North Indian food.

Healthcare & Medicine | 84 ARTICLE

Immunity

Your immune system gets less
active with age, increasing your
vulnerability to infections and
disease in general. Your body
reacts less efficiently to threats
from antigens, even those your
body may have battled very
effectively in the past.

The Good news: • rheumatoid arthritis – Teeth, Gums and
Well there is an ironic piece of good inflammation of the joints Mouth
news. Because your body is less
efficient in its immune reactions, you • muscle weakness and pain Oral health problems are not
will sometimes find that symptoms of really related to one’s age, except
some allergies you may have had The possibility of falls and injury that the accumulation of oral
when you were younger, suddenly is also increased because of health problems comes to a peak
disappear. changed posture and balance. in older age. The prevalence of
tooth decay, gum disease, dry
Bones, Joints and The Good news: mouth and oral cancer is higher
Muscles Exercise helps in a variety of than for the population as a
sometimes surprising ways. With whole.
Taken together your muscles, exercise the rate of bone loss is
bones and joints are known as reduced and you may even be able to The Good news:
the musculoskeletal system and make bones stronger. Muscle mass In 1979, 60% of older people had no
this is one area that really starts of course is a clear example of the natural teeth. By 2019 this is
to show problems in your older benefits of exercise for your expected to drop to 20% - that's great
years. This is understandable musculoskeletal system. Stretching is news of course, but for those unlucky
because it is essentially a great for muscle flexibility – think enough to be in the 20%, dentures,
mechanical system and with all yoga and tai chi. In extreme cases crowns and tooth implants have
things mechanical there is wear there is joint replacement, but a progressed in both techniques and
and tear with usage. There can newer therapy that may be effective the materials used to make these
also be a reduction in bone for some is stem cell therapy options give you something pretty
density and in muscle strength close to the real thing.
and size. Some of the serious Eyesight
implications are enumerated on Cosmetic
the Better Health Channel of the Due to the hardening of the Changes
Victorian government as follows: lenses in your eyes, you may find
it harder to focus on close There are plenty of these which
• Osteoarthritis – the cartilage objects, so reading becomes affect individuals differently post
within the joint breaks down, harder, night vision can be a mid-life - skin blemishes, wrinkles,
causing pain and stiffness problem and you could develop bags under the eyes, thinning
cataracts. lips, whitening hair, hair loss,
• osteomalacia – the bones yellowing teeth and so on. Although
become soft, due to The Good news: sometimes these issues can be
problems with the There are excellent corrective lenses related to other health issues.
metabolism of vitamin D in glasses and contact lenses.
Cataract removal is a common The Good news:
• osteoporosis – the bones procedure, usually uncomplicated Being largely cosmetic problems, they
lose mass and become and in many cases improves other tend to have little direct health
brittle. Fractures are more eyesight problems as well impact when compared to some of
likely

ARTICLE 85 | Healthcare & Medicine

the other items we just talked about, get older. The median age for a contribute to a more fulfilling sex life.
but they can cause significant person diagnosed with cancer is By being open and communicative
psychological problems or be 66. Around 40% of people will be with your partner, you can help each
symptoms of more serious underlying diagnosed with cancer during other discover what each of you want
health issues. their lives. We have a special and how to better please each other.
The Good news - Where symptoms article on the more frequent A large percentage of men will
such as hair loss or skin blemishes cancers in Australia. experience some degree of erectile
are purely cosmetic and not related dysfunction during their life. Eating
to other health issues, there are The Good News healthy and exercising regularly will
many solutions available from fillers, There are many ways to reduce your often help with this. If not, you can
colouring agents, whitening agents, chances of getting cancer. As with so talk to your doctor about drug
local removal of blemishes and so on many of the diseases and options.
complications associated with old
Memory age, a healthy and active lifestyle is Wow that looks like a horrendous
one of the best prevention methods. list of downside effects of aging
Memory loss and having “senior Obesity increases your risk of cancer on your health. These issues of
moments” are often associated (and increases your risk of many course have been with us since
with advanced age. Our brains other diseases and complications), the beginning of the human race,
gradually lose mass, and our so having a regular workout routine but the good news really is that
ability to recall information and maintaining a healthy weight is never before have there been so
decreases. Although Dementia is important. After that, quitting many remedies and never before
no longer believed to be a normal smoking or chewing tobacco is one of have we understood that simple
part of ageing, one of the most the best things you can to do to lower things such as exercise can have
frequent symptoms is short term your cancer risk. Having a lot of a terrific impact. In fact two
memory loss. This issue of the contact with direct sunlight will things – eating age appropriately
Australian Over 50s Living & increase your risk of skin cancer, so and doing sensible, focused
Lifestyle Guide carries a special use plenty of sunscreen if you're exercise, could make you feel and
feature on Dementia. going to be in the sun. Finally, get be healthier than you were when
regular medical examinations. Cancer you were 40!
The Good News treatment is most successful if the
Living an active and healthy lifestyle cancer is detected early. O50s
has been shown to help prevent
memory loss and the development of Sex Drive Australian Over 50s Living & Lifestyle Guide
Alzheimer's disease. Studies suggest
that learning new skills, especially Sex drive in both men and The information in this article is general in
mentally challenging skills (such as a women tends to decrease as we nature and does not constitute advice you
musical instrument), can help keep age. Testosterone, the male sex should consult your medical practitioner
your mind active and sharp, and hormone, decreases an average before taking any health related action.
reduce the risk of developing of 1% per year after age 30.
Dementia. Having a healthy diet that Estrogen, the female sex Join www.livewellclub.com.au
is low in saturated fats and refined hormone, decreases as women
sugars has an association with a approach menopause. These
lower Dementia risk. The special changes in hormone levels will
feature on Dementia also carries often result in a decreased sex
hopeful news items on new drive, as well as a different sexual
techniques to abate the progress of experience. It is common for both
dementia. men and women to not get
sexually aroused as often or
Cancer as easily as they used to.

Cancer is caused by abnormal The Good News
cell growth. It is a very serious Your sex life depends on
disease, with the potential to much more than hormone
spread quickly to other parts of levels. Many couples
the body if it is not treated report that they actually
quickly. Although cancer may enjoy sex more as they get
occur at any age, the risk of older than they did in their
cancer greatly increases as we 20s and 30s. Experience, technique,
and communication can all

Healthcare & Medicine | 86 Your Medication Made
Easy with MedAdvisor

It’s no secret that Australia has an aging population and that as we get
older, we’re more likely to be living with some type of chronic illness.
Recent government figures show that 50% of all Australians have a

chronic illness, and 40% of those aged 45 years and above are living with
multiple chronic conditions.

One illness may be personal medication records. He medication from the Pharmacy
manageable, but what and a growing team in without having to wait for it to be
happens when you or a Melbourne have incorporated dispensed. The app also
family member takes multiple valuable features including the provides me with information
medications for various ability for patients to pre-order about each medication I’m
conditions? Staying organised medications so they can skip the taking, which is very helpful.
with medications and queue at the pharmacy.
prescriptions can quickly Pharmacist, Andrew Robinson,
become a headache. Brisbane resident, Beverley who owns and manages the
Pearce, has been using Amcal pharmacy at Tooronga
This was exactly the scenario MedAdvisor on her smart phone Village in Melbourne says
faced by MedAdvisor Founder, for the past two years. Having MedAdvisor has been very
Josh Swinnerton. Josh watched developed epilepsy later in life, beneficial to his patients.
his mother struggle to remember Beverley found herself juggling
to take her medications for up to seven medications at a “The more medications someone
Parkinson’s and rheumatoid time. is taking, the higher the chance
arthritis. With his background in something will be missed. Better
software engineering and IT, “My local pharmacist mentioned individual health outcomes
Josh knew there must be a the MedAdvisor app and I depend on regularly taking
simpler way to help her manage downloaded it straight away. We medication as prescribed by your
her medications. all lead such busy lives and it doctor. At our pharmacy, we have
has been invaluable to receive noticed a significant increase in
Josh’s innovation, MedAdvisor, is reminders that my medication is medication adherence for
a medication management due to be ordered or patients using the platform.”
platform available free on smart notifications that it’s time to see
phone, tablet or PC. The my GP for a new script. To join the hundreds of thousands of patients
software connects patients with
their local pharmacies, providing “It is so simple to put an order across Australia already using MedAdvisor,
real time access to their through and it saves a lot of time
being able to call and collect download the app or go to

www.medadvisor.com.au/start

Fast Facts

• 50% of all Australians have a chronic disease
• 40% of Australians over the age of 45 have multiple chronic diseases
• Just 50-60% of medication prescribed in Australia is taken as directed
• 90% of the Australian adult population is in possession of a smart phone or tablet device
• MedAdvisor improves medication adherence by 20%
• More than a third of Australian pharmacies are connected to MedAdvisor
• 150,000 Australians are using the app to manage their medications



Healthcare & Medicine | 88 ARTICLE

Practical Devices and Apps to
help with medication

A common problem about medication with older people is that quite
often, people either don’t take the medication or take the wrong
dosage or at the wrong time.

Each of these can be a it is less successful for daily according to Josh, “Our app
significant problem. Not medications. This is because if you connects patients with their
taking prescribed medicines get a daily reminder about pharmacists, giving real time
at all has obvious implications in something, you tend to ignore it – information about their prescribed
that the illness or health condition call it the electronic nagging medications.”
will not be controlled. In some syndrome!
cases stopping medication Advances are also being made in
suddenly or taking it erratically can For daily medication requirements, the visual technology field, a
also create serious problems. the simple pill dispenser is useful, Singapore government funded
Further, some medication should especially when the size and team has been working on a
not be mixed with each other and configuration fits your medication Google Glass app especially for
so the timing and dosage become timing, for instance some are dementia patients, according to
a very serious issue. divided into days of the week and A*STAR’s Institute for Infocomm
others into morning and night as Research, by “Enhancing the
According to Josh Swinnerton, who well. As you get older, you may well sufferers’ ability to perceive the
is the founder of MedAdvisor, “The find your need a bigger and bigger environment …The MedHelp
problem is very widespread, in fact dispenser! project has some usability issues
it’s frightening. Just 50-60% of to overcome, such as to better
medication prescribed in Australia Sometimes, instructions can be a address the special needs of elder
is taken as directed.” problem, especially if all the users, particularly those with
instruction on the bottle says cognitive decline. However, being a
It is not always because of memory “Dosage as prescribed.” For these visual aid, it has a lot of appeal.”
or just plain stubbornness that situations a pre-packaged
medication is not taken. It can be dispenser from a pharmacist is “MedHelp has three functions: it
quite complex and attributed to ideal. On the higher tech side, sends out reminders to a user who
many other factors as well, such there are now apps available for is on regular medication; it helps a
as an individual’s perceptions or your smart phone which will play user to recognize the correct
beliefs – for instance the older back instructions for you when you medicine container and provides
person may simply not ‘believe’ in press the day or even time or dosing instructions; and it tracks
particular medication or they may name of your medication. the user’s medicine-taking
indeed have difficulty in activities so as to plan the time of
understanding or remembering Voice mail apps, alarms and next medications.”
instructions and so on. beepers are also being used. The
best however, is an app that can Although it sounds easy enough to
There are now many, inexpensive, link you directly to your medical take medicines that are prescribed
small devices and apps designed record and you can read exactly to you, remembering to do so can
especially to improve compliance what was prescribed, why and in be a problem and it can even be
in taking medications and in the what dosage. That is perhaps a daunting for the older person if the
prescribed form. Electronic little time away. prescriptions and instructions are
calendars are useful, particularly complex.
when they are attached to However, significant advances are
reminder emails. This works well being made in the interconnectivity The small, inexpensive devices we
when the time between doses is in order to improve compliance to have mentioned can go a long way
quite long for example a week and medication regimens from a in helping to resolve this problem.
variety of angles. For instance,



Healthcare & Medicine | 90 ARTICLE

Lifestyle and Eating Habits Could Help

Keep Osteoporosis at Bay

As we age, our bone density decreases. This happens to everyone.

But some people lose their bone density more rapidly than others.

Osteoporosis is a disease that describes someone who has lost a

significant amount of their bone density.

Osteoporosis might manifest outside the scope of this article), impact exercises.
itself in the form of back or your ethnicity. But you can
pain, loss of height, or a change your lifestyle. The good For more information on that, and
stooping of one's posture. This is news is that a healthy and active some good exercises to get into,
because the bones have become lifestyle is an effective way to you can go to:
weak and brittle. Falling down is maintain your bone mass, and http://nof.org/exercise.
dangerous, and it is especially prevent osteoporosis.
dangerous for those with Finally, make sure that your diet
osteoporosis. Osteoporosis greatly If you are a smoker or a heavy includes plenty of vitamin D and
increases the likelihood of drinker, the best thing you can do calcium. Calcium is the main
fractures or other complications. right now is to cut back, or stop ingredient in your bones, and
entirely. Doctors aren't sure vitamin D helps your body absorb
Who is at risk? Everyone. The exactly why, but these activities that calcium. Your body
older you are, the higher your risk. have been shown to increase manufactures vitamin D naturally
It is not uncommon for someone one's rate of bone loss. Not to from contact with direct sunlight.
in their 50s to have osteoporosis, mention that there is a host of Some calcium-rich foods include
and the risk only continues to other health problems associated cheese, yogurt, milk, and dark
increase after that. Gender and with drinking excessively and leafy greens. Supplements are
ethnicity play a significant role as smoking. You'll be doing your body often a good idea here, as a
well. Women have a much higher a big favour. majority of adults are deficient in
risk than men (particularly white their intake of both calcium and
and Asian women). After The next thing you can do is vitamin D.
menopause, the rate at which develop and maintain good
women's bodies replace their exercise habits. This next bit of While osteoporosis is a common
bone mass drops dramatically. information may surprise you: disease, it is also preventable.
Many women will develop “impact” exercises, such as Don't delay making positive
osteoporosis after menopause. running, playing tennis, and changes to your lifestyle,
Smokers, heavy drinkers, and jumping rope, maybe helpful in regardless of how old or young
those leading sedentary lifestyles maintaining your bone density. you may be. The lowest risk
are all at a much higher risk than people are those who have been
those leading more active and It would be reasonable to assume habitually eating healthy and
healthier lifestyles. that “non-impact” exercise (like exercising from a young age. But it
swimming) would be better for doesn't matter what age you start;
It's a terrible disease that no one your bone health, but this may not making positive lifestyle changes
wants, but don't despair! There always be the case. You can build today will help reduce your risk of
are some positive changes you your bone mass through (careful osteoporosis down the road.
can start making today which can and responsible) impact exercise.
greatly reduce your chances of Sources:
getting osteoporosis. The caveat here is that people
who have already developed http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-
Steps you can take to osteoporosis need to avoid impact
prevent Osteoporosis exercise, as the risk of causing conditions/osteoporosis/basics/definition/co
fractures is too high. And everyone
You can't change your gender should have a balanced routine n-20019924
(okay, maybe you can, but that's that blends high, low, and non-
National Osteoporosis Foundation

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Osteoporosis

http://nof.org/exercise

New Minimally Invasive Total Disc
Replacement Surgery For Back Pain

Dr Neil Cleaver has been performing disc replacement surgery on the Gold Coast at his exclusive
practice, South Coast Spine since 2008. He has experience with over 500 successful surgeries with over 90%
patient satisfaction rate. Traditional disc replacement surgery is performed through abdominal incisions, often
with long hospital admissions and some risk to the abdominal contents. Dr Cleaver was the first surgeon to
perform disc replacement surgery in Australia through a 5-6cm incision on the side of the abdomen, not
through the front, with often just an overnight stay on a normal ward.

1. How long does the procedure take? 5. What are the benefits of disc replacement surgery?
It takes a short while to anaesthetise the patient and the Disc replacement surgery preserves motion, unlike
surgery, because it is minimally invasive, and not through fusion surgery, and suitable patients usually experience
the abdomen, usually takes about 25 minutes per disc. 75-80% relief of back pain. This type of surgery is
For single level disease patients go home the next performed for severe disabling pain, not for normal
morning. aches and niggles.

2. How much does minimally invasive disc replacement 6. How long has this technology been available for?
surgery cost? In the USA and Europe this technology has been
Provided you have private health insurance which covers available for over 10 years and the results are published
disc replacement surgery then there is NO GAP for this in the scientific literature. This technology has been
type of surgery at South Coast Spine. Other types of available in Australia since 2010 but only funded by
surgery such as multiple levels and more traditional disc private health funds from March 2016.
replacements unfortunately incur a gap payment.
7. My GP and friends tell me I should never have spine
3. What hospital is surgery?
minimally invasive disc 10-15 years ago I would agree but technological
replacement performed advances in understanding the mechanisms of back
at? pain and ways to treat it have now made disc
Dr Cleaver operates at replacement surgery in the lumbar and neck regions
The Gold Coast Private almost as successful as hip and knee replacement
Hospital which is a brand surgery.
new $220M facility near
Griffith University on the 8. What should I do if I want to know more?
Smith Street motorway. Dr Cleaver has developed a website purely for
educational purposes, which you are strongly
4. Who is suitable for encouraged to view and peruse. This site explains in
minimally invasive disc detail the origins of back and neck pain, the causes of
replacement surgery? leg pain and radiculopathy and, using simple layman’s
Unlike hip or knee replacement language and illustrations, explains how each is
surgery, disc replacement surgery is designed for young treated. More information on this subject is available on
and active people with lower back pain from Dr Cleaver’s website www.southcoastspine.com.au
degenerative discs. It is only suitable for the lumbar and
cervical spine. Usually a few tests are required to make
sure that the back pain is coming from the disc.

If you want a consultation with Dr Cleaver you need a referral from your GP and contact details are below

Dr Neil Cleaver

PO Box 2093, Southport Business Centre QLD 4215 Level 6,
Suite 8, Pacific Private Clinic, 123 Nerang Street, Southport QLD 4215

P (07) 5532 4292 F (07) 5532 7506

Cancer Awareness | 92 SPECIAL FEATURE

oCinnaAntuhcseetrRrraialsiteae:s

Get a Check Up

Cancer is on the rise in Australia. There are 25,000 new
diagnosed cases of cancer each year in Queensland alone, and
that says nothing about the number of cases going undetected.

But while cancer is becoming more prevalent, treatments to
manage, and in some cases cure, this terrible disease are also
improving. It's important for everyone, especially those over 50, to

get regular check ups and to familiarise themselves with the
symptoms associated with the most common cancers. Early
detection is key, but with the right approach and lifestyle choices

a potential patient could save a life – their own.

SPECIAL FEATURE 93 | Cancer Awareness

Australian Cancer prevalent in men over the age Bowel Cancer: Join www.livewellclub.com.au
Rates of 50. It develops when cells
begin to act abnormally in the Also known as colorectal
The statistics are sobering. In prostate, which is a small gland cancer, bowel cancer is
2015 it has been projected that about the size of a walnut common among both men and
69,790 men and 57,010 women between the genitals and anus. women, especially those over
will be diagnosed with cancer. Symptoms can occur in older the age of 50. It occurs when a
26,470 men will die of this men naturally, as the prostate tumour forms anywhere along
terrible disease, as will 20,100 gland does continue to grow in the colon and rectum. A high
women. Between 1982 and 2011 later life. However, it's always percentage of people can be
the likelihood of developing better to be on the safe side cured if the cancer is detected
cancer increased from 383 cases and speak with a doctor. early in its development.
per 100,000 members of the Symptoms include a frequent Symptoms include lethargy,
general population to 484 out of urge to urinate, low flow unexplained weight loss,
the same number. pressure when urinating, blood abdominal pain, and feeling as
There are many reasons for this in semen or urine, pain in the though the bowel has not
increase, which include: lower back, hips, or thighs, and emptied completely.
finding it difficult to start
•Pollution urination. Oral Cancer:
•Ageing population
•Increasing size of population Breast Cancer: 3 Australians are diagnosed
•Better diagnosis with Oral cancer every day, and
This is the most common yet it is a disease which is often
In the past many cancers were cancer in Australian women. It overlooked. Oral cancer involves
not detected until it was too late, is possible for a man to develop cancerous growths in the mouth
while medical science could do breast cancer, but the disease or on the tongue. Symptoms
little to help those who were is primarily seen in women. include difficulty swallowing,
affected. Chemotherapy was once Breast cancer can cause loss of sensation to the affected
the only option, but now a range significant psychological area, white or red patches,
of new treatments have been distress as survivors may have painful gums, loose teeth,
developed which significantly to have their breasts removed slurring of speech, unusual
increase survival rates. But the in order to beat the disease. tastes, a visible lump, or
earlier a cancer is detected the That's why early detection is so swollen lymph nodes.
better, and that's why being important, especially for the at
familiar with the symptoms of the risk group of women between Skin Cancer:
most common cancers is very 50 and 74 years of age. There
important. are also many types of breast An astonishing fact is that 2 out
cancer which require different of every 3 Australians will be
Symptoms of Cancer treatments. Symptoms can diagnosed with skin cancer
include a lump or lumps in the before they reach 70. In places
Symptoms can vary, but there are breast; ulcers, redness, crusting like Queensland, skin cancer
early warning signs which should or inversion of the nipple; rates are among the highest in
be noted. This doesn't mean that discharge coming from a nipple the world. There are different
a person should feel paranoid or without squeezing; change to forms of skin cancer, but
anxious about their health, but if the skin of a breast including symptoms usually include one
there is a real symptom, then it is dimpling or redness; and pain or more of the following: non-
always worth getting it checked by in the affected area which will healing sores, pale, red or pearl
a medical professional. not diminish. coloured lumps on the skin,
new freckles or spots, and
Common cancers and their moles which change colour.
symptoms include:
All five cancers are a major
Prostate Cancer: concern for Australians of all
ages, but especially those aged
This is the most common 50 and over. But by knowing what
cancer among Australian men, to look for, these diseases can be
with a valuable amount of treated in many cases. There is
prostate cancer information no doubt, however, that
freely available. It's also most preventative measures and
regular check ups are of key

Cancer Awareness | 94 SPECIAL FEATURE

importance to either stop the Exercise: diet high in fruits and
disease from happening, or vegetables may have a
catching it early enough so that it There is growing research which protective effect against cancer
can be treated. shows that lack of exercise and heart disease, providing
increases the risk of developing the body with all of the
Prevention and many cancers. Inactivity has nutrients needed to promote
Why Regular been linked significantly to good health.
Screening is colon cancer and breast cancer.
Just 30 minutes of moderate Screening:
CRITICAL.....!! exercise a day can improve
health, with 60 minutes of As we've stated above, the
Currently it is impossible to moderate to intense exercise earlier a cancer is detected the
predict who will develop cancer significantly reducing the risk of better. For those over the age of
within any given time-frame. developing cancer. 50, even if you are feeling well,
Indeed, medical science is just a regular check up at the
getting to grips with the idea that Diet: doctors will help to identify any
there are many different forms of existing issues before they
cancer. That being said, studies Studies show that being obese become life-threatening.
show that there are ways to or overweight increases the risk
reduce the likelihood and the of cancer. Sugar and fat, when Stress:
impact of cancer by being ingested in moderation, can be
proactive: part of a healthy diet, but by This is one of the leading
minimising the daily amount contributors to cancer risk and
taken, this can help reduce the poor health. By reducing stress
associated risks. Furthermore, a as much as is possible, by
removing stress inducers from a
person's life, and trying
relaxation techniques such as
meditation, a person can
minimise the impact of stress
on their health and sense of
well-being.

Cancer is a terrible disease, but
by being proactive and taking the
right steps, you could significantly
extend both your quality and
quantity of life.

O50s
Australian Over 50s Living & Lifestyle Guide

Exceptional cancer care 95 | Cancer Awareness

for Queenslanders

World-class care for public and private radiation

oncology patients

Since the beginning Radiation Jim Frantzis, ROC CEO therapy treatment. Our Cairns Join www.livewellclub.com.au
Oncology Centre’s (ROC) centre was the first in Queensland
number one priority has A supportive environment to introduce Deep Inspiration
been to provide easy access to the that understands our Breath Hold (DIBH), a technique
best cancer care for all patients are individuals that improves treatment for left-
Australians. Now a part of Icon sided breast cancer patients. This
Group, ROC has evolved through Our focus is always on delivering is now available across the
the acquisition of Radiation exceptional cancer care. We do majority of ROC centres. To ensure
Oncology Queensland (ROQ), this through respecting the this technology is safe and
Radiation Oncology Institute (ROI) individual needs of our patients. accurate, our experienced team of
and Oceania Oncology. While this From helping manage side-effects, medical physicists review and
has seen them grow from four to providing information on refine the treatment machines on
sites to 10, connecting with the support groups and ensuring a daily basis
local community and delivering treatment fees are set as part of a
exceptional care is still at the consultative process, our team are “Through the latest technology, we
heart of ROC. here to make sure patients aim to achieve as little impact as
receive the care they deserve. possible on healthy tissue while
Providing local cancer still getting a strong dose of
care ROC sees both public and private radiation to the tumour site. We
patients, including department of are always focused on best
ROC has grown out of a veteran affairs and work cover. outcomes with minimal side-
commitment to regional Australia, Our sites provide the best in effects.”
with foundation centres at radiation therapy treatment for all
Toowoomba, Sunshine Coast and Australians, with a responsive Your Queensland cancer
Gosford. Theses centres provided service and no wait list. care partner
much needed radiation therapy
services to local residents who “When patients come through the “Our Queensland roots are firm.
previously had to face gruelling door they are in the capable We currently have two additional
travel times to the nearest city. hands of our dedicated, sites under construction at
The concept of delivering local passionate team of radiation Greenslopes and Redlands which
cancer care grew from these three therapists, radiation oncologists, are set to open late this year,”
centres to Cairns, Bundaberg, nursing and administrative staff. Mr Frantzis says.
Hervey Bay, Gold Coast, Our team work together to ensure
Springfield and Wahroonga. patients receive the best of care ROC will also be part of the first
and complete their radiation Icon Integrated Cancer Centre in
ROC now has seven Queensland therapy in the most positive way North Lakes, which will provide a
centres and two in New South possible.” true end-to-end cancer service be
Wales. it chemotherapy, radiation therapy
Technology that ensures or both. This is set to open in May.
Jim Frantzis, ROC CEO, says the best treatment
“Since the start, ROC has been Our commitment to providing rural
committed to providing ROC’s state-of-the-art centres and regional Australians with
exceptional care to regional areas offer the latest in radiation access to the latest technology
and beyond. We are now the and expert clinicians, combined
largest Queensland provider of with our patient-centred approach,
radiation oncology but our mission truly sets us apart. For more
to provide exemplary service to information visit
patients in their local area
remains the same. We continue to www.radiationoncologycentres.com.au
place the patient’s needs first.”

Healthcare & Medicine | 96

97 | Healthcare & Medicine Join www.livewellclub.com.au

Cancer Awareness | 98

Special Invitation 99 | Cancer Awareness

Extended To Women
50 to 74 Years

BreastScreen • a change in the size and Deaths from breast cancer Join www.livewellclub.com.au
Queensland has shape of your breast; have declined by 28 per cent
expanded the and survival rates have
invitation for free breast • a change to the nipple such improved to approximately 89
screening to include women as crusting, an ulcer, per cent.
aged 70-74. redness or the nipple pulled
in; Dr Gray said all breast screens
BreastScreen Queensland were independently reviewed
State Radiologist Janet Gray • a discharge from your nipple by two specially trained,
said early detection saved lives that happens without doctors.
and all Queensland women squeezing the nipple;
between the ages of 50 and 74 “Appointments are one-to-one
should be screened every two • a change in the skin of your with a female health
years. breast such as redness or professional. The appointment
dimpling or puckered skin; takes about 30 minutes and
“Breast cancer is the most and does not require a doctor’s
common cancer diagnosed in referral,” she said.
women and the second highest • a pain that does not go
cause of cancer-related death away. Women can book their breast
in Queensland women,” Dr screen appointment at any
Gray said. “Most breast changes will not BreastScreen Queensland
be due to breast cancer but if service across the State by
“A breast screen every two you notice any change that calling 13 20 50.
years is a good way to maintain concerns you, please contact
breast health and the most your doctor without delay. It is The BreastScreen Queensland
effective way to detect breast also a good idea to ask your program provides free, high-
cancer early.” doctor to check your breasts as quality breast cancer screening
part of your regular health and assessment services
Dr Gray said breast cancer check,” Dr Gray said. targeting women aged 50 - 74
could develop at any time, years as this is the age group
therefore it was important to Since the introduction of the who benefit the most from
know the normal look and feel BreastScreen Queensland in breast cancer screening.
of your breasts and be aware of 1991, more than 3 million
any unusual changes, such as: breast screens, 200,000
assessments, and more than
• a new lump or lumpiness in 13,000 breast cancers have
your breasts, especially if it been detected.
is in only one breast;

Healthcare & Medicine | 100 ARTICLE

What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a serious
complex condition which Three things you need to know combined with massive changes
can affect the entire body. It about diabetes are firstly that, it is to physical activity with more
requires daily self care and if not one condition- there are three sedentary work and less activity,
complications develop, diabetes main types of diabetes: type 1, means most populations are
can have a significant impact on type 2 and gestational diabetes. seeing more Type 2 diabetes.
quality of life and can reduce life All types of diabetes are complex Genes also play a part with higher
expectancy. While there is and require daily care and risk of type 2 diabetes in Chinese,
currently no cure for diabetes, you management and thirdly, diabetes South Asian, Indian, Pacific
can live an enjoyable life by does not discriminate, anyone can Islander and Aboriginal and Torres
learning about the condition and develop diabetes Strait Islander populations.
effectively managing it. There are
different types of diabetes; all Diabetes is serious Symptoms
types are complex and serious.
The three main types of diabetes Diabetes can be managed well In type 1 diabetes, symptoms are
are type 1, type 2 and gestational but the potential complications often sudden and can be life-
diabetes. are the same for type 1 and type threatening; therefore it is usually
2 diabetes including heart attack, diagnosed quite quickly. In type 2
When someone has diabetes, stroke, kidney disease, limb diabetes, many people have no
their body can’t maintain healthy amputation, depression, anxiety symptoms at all, while other signs
levels of glucose in the blood. and blindness. We know diabetes can go unnoticed being seen as
Glucose is a form of sugar which is the leading cause of blindness part of ‘getting older’.
is the main source of energy for in working age adults; it is a
our bodies. Unhealthy levels of leading cause of kidney failure Therefore, by the time symptoms
glucose in the blood can lead to and dialysis, it increases the risk are noticed, complications of
long term and short term health of heart attacks and stroke by up diabetes may already be present.
complications. For our bodies to to 4 times; is a major cause of Common symptoms include being
work properly we need to convert limb amputations and it affects more thirsty than usual, passing
glucose from food into energy and mental health as well as physical more urine, feeling tired and
a hormone called insulin is health. Depression, anxiety and lethargic, always feeling hungry,
essential for this. In people with distress occur in more than 30% having cuts that heal slowly,
diabetes, insulin is no longer of all people with diabetes. itching, skin infections, blurred
produced or not produced in vision , unexplained weight loss
sufficient amounts by the body. Why is diabetes (type 1), gradually putting on
When people with diabetes eat increasing? weight (type 2), mood swings,
glucose, which is in foods such as headaches, feeling dizzy and leg
breads, cereals, fruit and starchy Whilst all types of diabetes are cramps.
vegetables, legumes, milk, increasing in prevalence, Type 2 is
yoghurt and sweets, it can’t be increasing at the fastest rate. Early diagnosis, optimal treatment
converted into energy. There are large numbers of and effective ongoing support and
people with silent, undiagnosed management reduce the risk of
Instead of being turned into type 2 diabetes which may be diabetes-related complications.
energy the glucose stays in the damaging their bodies. An
blood resulting in high blood estimated 2 million Australians Note: This information is of a
glucose levels. After eating, the are at high risk of developing type general nature only and should
glucose is carried around your 2 diabetes and are already not be substituted for medical
body in your blood. Your blood showing early signs of the advice or used to alter medical
glucose level is called glycaemia. condition. therapy. It does not replace
Blood glucose levels can be consultations with qualified
monitored and managed through Type 2 diabetes is one of the healthcare professionals to meet
self care and treatment. major consequences of the your individual medical needs.
obesity epidemic. The
combination of massive changes Courtesy: Diabetes Australia,
to diet and the food supply,
https://www.diabetesaustralia.com.au/what-is-

diabetes