Latest Aged Care News for 3rd February

How 'natural' are natural medicines? - Friday, Feb 3rd

Natural medicines are often taken for conditions such as arthritis, insomnia and menopause, despite the reluctance of three-quarters of Australian GPs in recommending natural medicines to their patients due to lack of clinical evidence. New research shows natural medicines are discussed in about 20% of GP consultations. Read Story ›
Road to renewal after fire tragedy - Friday, Feb 3rd

Three months has passed since the fatal fire engulfed Principal Quakers Hill aged care facility. Despite many lives lost and spirits broken, the staff and remaining residents are on the path of renewal. “We are in the process of assessing our options for rebuilding in the local community, but it is still too early to say when or where this will occur," spokesperson, Erik Denison, for Domain Principal ... Read Story ›
Poor areas, higher risk of arthritis - Friday, Feb 3rd

People living in poor Brisbane neighbourhoods reportedly have a higher rate and risk of arthritis. A study, led by the University of Melbourne, Deakin University and Queensland University of Technology, revealed 30% of people living in disadvantaged areas were reported as having arthritis, while only 18% in the more affluent areas. Read Story ›
Globe unites to fight cancer - Friday, Feb 3rd

As the risk of being diagnosed with cancer increases with age, Cancer Council Australia’s message for older Australians to remain alert of any health changes coincides with World Cancer Day tomorrow (4 February 2012). World Cancer Day 2012 has been themed ‘Together it is possible’. Read Story ›
'Go decaf' to improve brain energy - Friday, Feb 3rd

It’s not the ‘real deal’, but now a study is suggesting we should hit the decaf coffee to improve brain energy. Researchers from Mount Sinai School of Medicine made the discovery after exploring whether dietary supplementation with a standardised decaffeinated coffee prior to diabetes onset might improve insulin resistance. Read Story ›
Challenge of ageing with disability - Thursday, Feb 2nd

Ageing is part of life but for people with a disability there are often barriers when it comes to accessing aged care. IRT Remuneration and Benefits Advisor, Heather Marciano, studied this issue and co-presented her research with University of Wollongong's Professor Patrick Dawson and Associate Professor Michael Zanko in New Zealand last December. Read Story ›
Boosting super through roundtable - Thursday, Feb 2nd

A new superannuation roundtable will work on providing Australians with more options to boost their retirement savings, the government says. The roundtable will reportedly examine ways to provide superannuation concessions and the choices available in the drawdown phase for retirees. Read Story ›
‘Old school’ makes a return - Thursday, Feb 2nd

Older people often reach a stage of feeling like they are “invisible”, according to Frankston’s University of the Third Age (U3A) president, Gail Dudeck. The 70-year-old tells DPS News she too reached a stage in life where she did not venture outside and stopped going on her much-loved shopping sprees. Read Story ›
Gold Coast housing for seniors - Thursday, Feb 2nd

A social housing development for Gold Coast seniors will reportedly help “dispel misconceptions” that social housing equates to “poor-quality” design. Opening at Palm Beach last week, the development by Horizon Housing Company, was built for older residents in housing stress. Read Story ›
Coping with Alzheimer's and sexuality - Thursday, Feb 2nd

When a person living with Alzheimer’s disease faces the challenges of changes in their brain, their sexual behaviour may also be affected. Caregivers are urged to remember the changes in sexual behaviour are not reflections on their loved one’s character – but rather, they are symptoms of the disease. Read Story ›