Health of Elderly Australia Essay -- essays research papers

How is Australias aging community supported by the Australian Health mission System?PREAMBLESince 1901 Australias olden population has had a dramatic rise with it estimated that 65-year olds make up just under 15% of Australias population (Northern Health Research). The median age of the country has risen from 22 to 35 years and people age 0-14 has decreased from 35.1% in 1901 to 20.7% in 2001 (Mayne Health Research). As this greying of the nation continues mirroring global trends, there has been an influx of residents admitted into aged care facilities around the country. The aim of this report is to perform a case study on an elderly member of the community cared for at the St. Pauls Aged Care Centre in Caboolture, after visiting the facility every Friday for a catamenia of five weeks. Not only will the residents health be investigated but also the effectiveness of the aged care centre to cater for the rights and inescapably of the residents in relation to the Ottawa Charter. Suggestions will be made on how the centre could be improved in the future culminating in a detailed epitome of the reports findings.INTRODUCTIONUpon commencing weekly visits, each group of students was assigned a particular resident and advised to monitor their health, behaviour and needs. After universe assigned an elderly gentleman by the name of Ken, it quickly became evident the reasoning behind his care. Ken was suffering the early stages of dementia often forgetting name calling and having short-term memory loss. According to the Alzheimers Association in Queensland, early stages of dementia involves the destruction of brain cells in isolated areas often with first signs universe short-term memory loss. He was also suffering severe arthritis of the left knee that seemed to be afflicting each of his elbows as well. Arthritis is a term loosely use to inflammatory, metabolic, or degenerative diseases involving one or more of the joints (Colliers Encyclopedia). It is a preval ent, crippling disease affecting tens of millions worldwide (www.arthritis.org/). The final health concern detect was Kens social unacceptance. Often reluctant to join in with conversations and games, Ken seemed very isolated and lonely, probably further reinforcing the signs of dementia setting in. decision maker SUMMARYOn completion of the weekly visits and looking back on the time spent with the residents, ... ... the facility encouraging a more sociable and homy setting. This would further enhance residents social wellbeing allowing a friendlier environment to be created and according to Dr. Luke Ryse,A person who is living a tone in a favoured setting is less likely to suffer stress, depression and anxiety often associated with aged care facilities. (www.agecare.com/oz/st/) Another improvement would be to allot great freedom to the residents. Maybe have meals at different times in the evenings giving them a sense of control and also allow residents accompanied visits ou tside the facility on a weekly basis. Both would lift spirits in centre and are improvements that are easily attainable. They allow residents greater independence and as mentioned earlier, this fosters better health. However apart from those two areas, the St. Pauls Aged Care Facility in Caboolture is effectively caring and adhering to the needs of the elderly in conjunction with promoting health through the implementation of the principles of the Ottawa Charter.