14 minute read
HEALTH ..................... pages
New protective supports
The death of her grandmother has inspired Brisbane woman Stephanie Bofinger to launch a new product aimed at protecting women during sport and those over 65 from major injuries caused by falls.
Stephanie Bofinger was inspired to create Fempro Armour – a lightweight, wearable “armour” to protect women and older men, after her family tragedy.
“I was heartbroken when my grandmother died from other complications while having surgery for a broken hip which could have been prevented,” Stephanie said.
“Ageing – and particularly things such as dementia and Parkinson’s – affects elderly people’s stability and their risk of falling is far greater.
“Whether they are falling from a chair or a motorbike, the impact is the same.
“And just because they are old doesn’t mean they have to wear something ugly to protect themselves - what’s on the market now is bulky and heavy.”
She said the Armour could also be used by women across a range of sports – from motorsports, cycling and equestrian to rugby league, netball, basketball, hockey, skating and skiing, or martial arts – and professional fields such as law enforcement, or working with large animals.
The garments are made from soft, breathable bamboo fabrics and recycled bottles and fishnets, and all protective armour is European Certified (CE level 1 and 2), and can be worn comfortably under everyday clothing.
The Fempro Armour range grew from Stephanie’s research into protective gear designed specifically to fit women involved in impact sports – after she struggled to find motorcycle sports protection that fit her properly.
Using a revolutionary memory foam technology, the armour can protect the chest, hip, elbow, shoulder and back and is lightweight and flexible.
The viscoelastic memory foam is lightweight but still incredibly impact absorbent – and softens further, becoming even more comfortable, with body heat.
However, with the death of her grandmother she realised that they would also be useful for those who weren’t as mobile.
She said each year one third of people aged 65 or older will experience a fall – with many resulting in serious injury or even death.
Falls account for 42% of all hospital injury cases in Australia. Of those, more than half (58%) were people aged 65 or older – while 95% of all deaths from accidental falls were among the elderly, the majority of them women.
The range of singlets, long-sleeve tops and pull-on pants can be worn discreetly under regular clothing, and armour pieces can even be inserted or removed as needed.
“Falls are a major issue, affecting one in three people over the age of 65 and half of people over the age of 80,” Stephanie said.
“And the proportion of people over 65 is forecast to grow from about 3.5 million now to more than 20% of the population at more than 8 million in 2050.
“A lot of elderly people die from their injuries or from complications from their injury. Of those who survive, their health is impacted and only a third retain mobility.”
Armour can also be used by women across a range of sports – from motorsports, cycling and equestrian to rugby league, netball, basketball, hockey, skating and skiing, or martial arts – and professional fields such as law enforcement, or working with large animals.
The garments are made from soft, breathable bamboo fabrics and recycled bottles and fishnets, and all protective armour is European Certified (CE level 1 and 2), and can be worn comfortably under everyday clothing.
About Fempro Armour: Fempro Armour produces high quality European Certified body protection armour and apparel to protect women involved in impact sports or those over 65. It uses a ground-breaking “smart” polymer technology to design armour and apparel to comfortably fit women of all shapes and sizes. More info femproarmour.com
The armour.
WELCOME TO OUR SUMMER EDITION SENIORS TODAY BRISBANE
Seniors Today Brisbane is your free local newspaper filled with valuable information relevant to your lifestyle. Printed four times per year, this is your go-to publication designed especially for the 50+ population. We love feedback! Tell us what you think: newsdesk@seniorstoday.com.au
Look out for the Autumn issue available from March 7th, 2022. Pick up a copy from your local Seniors Today distribution outlet
Dementia Australia boost
Dementia Australia has welcomed the COVID-19 vaccination booster program which began in residential aged care homes in mid November.
Dementia Australia CEO Maree McCabe AM said people living with dementia are some of the most vulnerable people in our community who have been at heightened risk of COVID-19 throughout the pandemic.
The impact of vaccinations throughout 2021 has provided some assurance to residents, families and staff in reducing their risk of developing serious symptoms,” Ms McCabe said.
“The vaccination booster now available to all will contribute further protection making the environment safer for all – for the individuals, other residents, staff, family and visitors.”
With more than two-thirds of aged care residents living with moderate to severe cognitive impairment it is essential clear communication, and enough time is provided to enable informed consent.
“The consent process must allow a person living with dementia or cognitive impairment time to digest the information, ask questions and perhaps consult with a family carer,” Ms McCabe said.
“This also allows time for the staff to consult with and obtain consent from a substitute decision maker or guardian if required.
“It is important for all residential aged care providers to ensure the teams administering the vaccinations are suitably supported to determine a resident’s capacity to provide informed consent for the booster program.
“Another crucial element of the process is ensuring staff know what to look for and what to do if a resident who is living with dementia or a cognitive impairment experiences an adverse vaccination reaction.
“People living with dementia or cognitive impairment may not always be able to communicate adverse reactions.”
Dementia Australia supports mandatory vaccinations across the aged care sector and urges people living with dementia or mild cognitive impairment, their families and carers, to receive all the recommended COVID-19 vaccinations as soon as possible.
From Monday 8 November, booster vaccines have been available for all aged care residents and staff who have completed their primary course (two doses) of a COVID-19 vaccination at least six months earlier. Anyone with questions or concerns for themselves or a loved one are welcome to call the National Dementia Helpline 1800 100 500.
Dementia Australia is the source of trusted information, education and services for the estimated half a million Australians living with dementia, and the almost 1.6 million people involved in their care. We advocate for positive change and support vital research. We are here to support people impacted by dementia, and to enable them to live as well as possible. No matter how you are impacted by dementia or who you are, we are here for you.
For support, please contact the National Dementia Helpline on 1800 100 500. An interpreter service is available and the Helpline is open 8am to 8pm Monday to Friday excluding public holidays. The National Dementia Helpline is funded by the Australian Government. People looking for information can also visit dementia.org.au
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Preparing skin for summer
Did you know that the Sunshine State is the skin cancer capital of the world? In Queensland, melanoma rates reach 40 per cent higher than the national average.
Every day, five Australians lose their lives to melanoma, which is sometimes barely visible to the naked eye. But 99 per cent of skin cancers are curable if detected and treated early, which is why experts recommend regular skin checks.
“A full skin cancer check is the best place to start to ensure your skin is healthy and safe,” Professor David Wilkinson, Chief Medical Officer of National Skin Cancer Centres said.
“Your Skin Cancer Doctor can provide you with peace of mind that there are no nasty surprises which could lead to serious problems if left undiagnosed and untreated.
“Early detection through regular full-body skin cancer checks is the best defence. Our mission is to detect skin cancers in the early stages to minimise complex, invasive and expensive treatments, and ultimately save lives.”
Between professional skin checks, we can look out for lesions that stand out as different from the others. Check for any sores that won’t heal, freckles that have recently developed or changed, or areas that are crusting, itching, or bleeding.
If anything looks suspicious, get it checked. Skin cancer can develop very fast and become fatal, and sometimes shows no signs until an advanced stage.
Queenslanders can be at particularly high risk of skin cancer if they are over 40, male, or have a personal or family history of skin cancer. The risk is also higher for people who have experienced severe sunburn, used a solarium, worked outdoors, or have multiple moles, fair skin, or light-coloured hair or eyes.
Fortunately, a lifetime of sun exposure can be addressed before it takes a toll on our skin health. Spring is a great time to address existing skin damage and early signs of ageing.
“In addition to a skin cancer check, many of our patients who have seen too much sun over their lives benefit from skin repair and rejuvenation treatments to improve skin health and appearance,” says Prof Wilkinson.
Select locations at the National Skin Cancer Centres provide skin repair and rejuvenation services for comprehensive management of patients’ skin health, including LED light therapy and cosmetic injectable treatments.
“It’s never too late to repair sun damaged skin.
“We see lots of patients with dehydrated or dry skin. Some are experiencing flare-ups of rosacea or acne. At this time of year, many people are thinking about getting their skin summer-ready, so they want to start a treatment regime with long-term benefits.”
To find the nearest location at the National Skin Cancer Centres throughout Queensland, visit skincancercentres.com.au.
Detecting skin abnomalities.
Wrestling with skin cancer, grappling with the numbers
The champions of Australian Armwrestling Federation, a male-dominated sport, are on a mission to raise awareness about skin cancer through a program launched as part of National Skin Cancer Action Week and Movember.
More than 250,000 Australian men are diagnosed with skin cancer every year – twice as many as women – and research shows that men are less likely to see a doctor about their health concerns.
A recent online survey of Aussie men conducted by National Skin Cancer Centres found that 79 per cent of respondents haven’t had their skin checked this year. This can lead to late diagnoses and deadlier outcomes.
“You think, ‘I’ll be fine. I’ve never had anything wrong. Why would something happen to me now?’” says Phil Rasmussen, President of the Australian Armwrestling Federation. “My advice to my friends and colleagues is, if you spend a lot of time in the sun or work in the sun, go in and get checked.”
Phil’s colleagues at the Federation hold similar sentiments, sharing their stories of family and friends being diagnosed and treated for skin cancer – a disease diagnosed in one Australian every minute.
“The National Skin Cancer Action Week from 15-21 November 2021 was a good reminder for Australians to take action around their skin health, especially for people at high-risk of skin cancer, such as men,” says Professor David Wilkinson, Chief Medical Officer of National Skin Cancer Centres.
“Especially heading into summer, it’s important to take all the appropriate steps from prevention to detection. Closing the loop is important to us.”
More than 14,600 skin cancers have been diagnosed by the doctors at National Skin Cancer Centres this year alone across Australia. Select locations manage high-risk patients with total body photography for the earliest skin cancer detection when treatment is most successful.
“Many Australians underestimate their risk of skin cancer, including potentially deadly melanoma. The earlier we detect skin cancer, the higher the chances of successful treatment,” says Prof Wilkinson.
Skin cancer campaign brings in the muscle.
Care on the home front
The Salvation Army Aged Care offers Home Care Services in Queensland, and we spoke to the General Manager of Salvos Home Care, Fiona Sanders, about why this service is particularly important for all people as they age.
What is Home Care?
Home Care (also known as community care, in-home care, home support) is when caregivers provide support to enable older people live independently in their own homes. Caregivers can assist with a wide range of tasks such as bathing, nursing, domestic assistance, gardening, escorting to appointments, Allied Health and therapy services, and more, with each care package tailored to the needs of the care recipient.
Who can benefit?
An older person who needs help with everyday tasks and may not have family and other social support close by or available on a regular basis to assist.
Is there a growing demand for Home Care?
We believe so, and there are certainly more people receiving Commonwealth funded Home Care as older people choose to age in their own homes for as long as they can. There’s also more government funding available now to support these people.
How can people access funding?
If you don’t know who to go to for help, we’ll help you as we understand that some people may find the process a complex one. One of the services we’re more than happy to provide is to help people navigate the Aged Care system. We can try to help speed up the process of being assessed by finding out what funding someone is eligible for and help with the paperwork and application. Salvos Home Care offers this service for free and without any obligations.
When should people start exploring their Home Care options?
My advice would be to get started on the process before you think you might need it. Don’t wait until you realise you are unable to do all those household chores you used to manage easily. It can take time to get the Aged Care assessment and notification stating that you’re eligible for Home Care support. After that, depending on package and priority levels, there may be some time before you’re allocated a Home Care Package. It’s worth noting that the package can always be put on hold if it’s not needed at that time. If you are not eligible for a Home Care Package, you may still be eligible to receive care through the Commonwealth Home Support Program, or you may choose to pay for the service yourself, whilst waiting for eligibility. We can help with starting the conversation earlier and assisting with the process before the need arises.
For more information, contact Salvos Home Care Queensland on 1300 111 227 or visit agedcare.salvos.org.au GM Home Care – Fiona Sanders.
Welcome
to Holistic Care
At The Salvation Army Aged Care, our goal is to provide a unique experience of choice, lifestyle and belonging for all people as they age. We don’t have clients, only family. We’d love to really get to know you – your clinical, social, emotional and spiritual needs, your experiences, hobbies, likes and dislikes. This goes on to enrich our own lives and makes us who we are and what we do – providing care from the heart, since 1899.
