Transforming Aged Care with trusted Medical Gas Solutions
Air Liquide Healthcare has been a global leader in medical gas solutions for over 120 years. In Australia, we have proudly been the leading partner of Australian Aged Care groups for more than two decades.
With over 26 years of experience in home care, within Australia, we work closely with Commonwealth and State Governments and Home Care Package providers to support Oxygen Therapy and CPAP patients across Australia. Our in-home service reaches more than 10,000 patients annually, offering a comprehensive approach to care that includes equipment training, ongoing support, and tailored solutions to meet individual needs.
Our expertise in Residential Aged Care, ensures our partners are compliant with Quality and Safety recommendations as per the Australian Standards. At Air Liquide Healthcare, we are committed to delivering:
• ISO 9001:2015 accreditation for healthcare-specific standards.
• On-site audits and compliance guidance for medical gases and equipment.
• In-person and online safety training to ensure aged care staff are confident and informed, with CPD recognition available.
Innovative Products to Simplify Care
Our product range is designed to enhance safety, efficiency, and patient outcomes. Our Integrated Cylinders are available in the most popular cylinder sizes – C, D & E.
• Efficiency: Save money on additional equipment like flowmeters or regulators and remove maintenance costs & setup time.
• Safety First: Built-in safety features, including a flow dial that activates only when the cylinder is on.
First Time Customers will receive a FREE safety audit & comprehensive quotation, which includes exclusive discounts –Contact us to find out more.
TakeO2 Cylinder:
• The only digital Oxygen cylinder in Australia.
• Features include a digital contents gauge and audio alarms for low levels, reducing waste and ensuring safe use.
OxySmart Online Portal:
Streamline operations with tools to:
• Track cylinder usage and manage reordering.
• Access reports to simplify administrative tasks.
• Claim Oxygen Supplements for Aged Care from the Commonwealth.
Seamless Supplier Transitions:
With resources and operational teams across Australia, we offer a seamless transition process for aged care providers, supported by dedicated project managers in each state. At Air Liquide Healthcare, we understand the unique needs of aged care professionals. By focusing on safety, innovation, and compliance, we empower you to deliver the highest quality care to your residents.
Always seek the guidance of your Doctor or healthcare professional with regards to your health or medical condition.
FROM THE EDITOR
Welcome back to all our Aged Health readers — hope you had a wonderful festive season and that 2025 is off to a positive start! The February issue of the magazine will kick off with a look at healthcare procurement and the benefits of technology.
The 2024 HotDoc Patient Survey found that patients are increasingly seeking more flexible telehealth and virtual care options, as well as faster access to general practitioners. It also revealed that 79% view telehealth availability as an essential option alongside in-person care, with 64% preferring telehealth for easier GP access. Dr Jag Singh Dhaliwal explores the benefits and pitfalls of telehealth within an aged care setting, emphasising the importance of taking a patient-centric approach when it comes to modernising healthcare access for older Australians.
According to Healthy@Home — a NSW consortium of industry, university and government partners — a greater investment in smart technology could enable older Australians to live in their own homes for longer. This would in turn relieve a great deal of the current pressure placed on aged care and medical facilities. The consortium recently released the preliminary results of a survey which found that nine out of 10 family carers or older people believed smart sensor technologies in the home should be funded via a home care package or other type of government assistance. Turn to page 10 to read more about how Australia could achieve a home care revolution.
As always, feel free to send your new product editorials, case studies and thought leadership pieces through to the email address below. Happy reading!
Amy Steed Editor ah@wfmedia.com.au
CONTRIBUTORS
Dr Jag Singh Dhaliwal Medical Director at Alternaleaf
John Anderson Head of Services & Support at Airdocs
Sam Bridgewater Founder of The Pure Food Co
TELEHEALTH IN AGED CARE: THE BENEFITS AND PITFALLS
The COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 was a catalyst moment that boosted the capabilities of telehealth for Australians. Today, virtual consultations between patients and healthcare providers are becoming the norm, allowing for immediate clinical assessments and tailored, personalised care. Clinicians are increasingly embracing telehealth, also known as virtual care, to provide patients with options for continuity of care in both in-person and virtual settings. This hybrid approach provides patients with the opportunity to feel empowered to take control of their healthcare journey, on their terms, writes Dr JAG SINGH DHALIWAL, Medical Director at Alternaleaf.
The 2024 HotDoc Patient Survey highlights that patients are increasingly seeking more flexible telehealth and virtual care options, as well as faster access to general practitioners (GPs), and expecting a seamless automated process for better patient–clinic engagement. The survey also shows telehealth is here to stay — revealing that 79% of patients view telehealth availability as an essential option alongside in-person care, with 64% preferring telehealth for easier GP access.
SO WHY ARE TELEHEALTH SERVICES SUCH A GOOD OPTION FOR OLDER
SO WHY ARE TELEHEALTH SERVICES SUCH A GOOD OPTION FOR OLDER PEOPLE?
1. Accessibility, anywhere: For those over 50, they may be at the pinnacle of their career, taking care of their families, but neglecting their own health. Telehealth provides a convenient option for those who are unable to attend
in-person consultations. While technology may previously have been a barrier within aged care, in more recent times people will happily use tablets and mobile devices for almost everything. Technology has improved, telehealth access has improved, and so has people’s knowledge of how it works.
2. Increased health and wellbeing: Telehealth services allow patients to take an active role in how they want to manage their health. It also provides a simple way for people to access valuable health information, resources and support — no matter where they are. This increased access to health information drives patient engagement and can lead to better health literacy and improved health behaviours.
3. Reduced social isolation: Social isolation is becoming an increasingly challenging issue for many older patients who live alone and don’t know who to talk to about their health concerns. Telehealth bridges this gap and helps to reduce this issue, as patients can book virtual appointments with their doctor for continuity of care, from the comfort of home.
4. Reduced costs: For older patients on a fixed income, the cost of health care can be a major concern. Telehealth can help to reduce the cost of health care by eliminating the need for travel and reducing the need for expensive medical equipment.
5. Enhanced collaboration and access to speciality services: Telehealth can open doors to a broader range of healthcare professionals and specialists. This could include geriatricians, neurologists, allied health and alternative healthcare options, leading to more personalised and complementary health plans.
WHAT ARE THE PITFALLS ASSOCIATED WITH TELEHEALTH?
As with all technology advancements, there are challenges and education gaps that need to be navigated and improved upon. Here are some of the top concerns:
1. Technological literacy: For some patients over 55, technology can be hard to navigate, particularly the first time around for someone new to the telehealth process. Adequate support, patience and reliable technology will help to overcome these challenges.
2. Finding the right provider: Choosing the right telehealth provider is often make-or-break for patients. Patients should do their own research and find the right provider for them. Don’t be put off by one bad experience — continue the search until a suitable one is identified.
For patients seeking alternative healthcare services, choose a provider that can complement and work alongside your primary GP. Consider clinics that demonstrate high
standards of care and have comprehensive processes in place for patients to feel comfortable, safe, and supported by nurses and doctors. Question the ones that don’t.
3. Internet access and location: Internet connectivity, particularly in regional and remote areas, is important when it comes to telehealth. To improve patient experiences, more investment is required to build these capabilities in these areas to support the future of Australia as a digital economy.
4. Privacy concerns: No matter the provider, patient data and privacy are important considerations. It is imperative that healthcare providers use robust, safe and secure measures to safeguard patient data to avoid any pitfalls. Clinics and general practices should invest in better technology and security solutions to support the adoption of telehealth.
Overall, continued investment in education, infrastructure and research will optimise telehealth experiences for both doctors and patients. Taking a patient-centric approach to modernising access to health care for aging Australians is paramount to improving patient experiences and outcomes.
Telehealth is here to stay. Older people should feel empowered to choose a provider they can trust for support and continuity of care. Telehealth access for Australians will only get better from here, and in 2025, a person’s postcode should not be a hindrance to their health care.
Dr Jag Singh Dhaliwal is the Medical Director at Alternaleaf, Australia’s largest alternative healthcare clinic. With over 33 years of experience, Jag recently joined the clinic to champion Alternaleaf’s patient-first approach, focusing on driving high standards of clinical practice, safety and governance for alternative healthcare services in the telehealth environment. Jag has deep experience as a general practitioner, medical adviser and director, with international experience in the public health services in Asia Pacific and the NHS in the United Kingdom. He has lived in Melbourne for over eight years and currently holds medical and GP adviser roles for council members of the General Practice Policy Council AMA Victoria, HotDoc and BestMed.
CONNECTING SILOED SYSTEMS TO ENH ANC E AGED CARE OPERATIONS
CASE STUDY
A South Australian aged care provider recently underwent a digital transformation to enhance both operations and client experience.
Having been in operation for more than 130 years, Kalyra offers a full suite of aged care services, from residential care to home care and retirement living and affordable living. It needed to connect its siloed systems in order to centralise data for both clients and employees.
PROBLEM:
Aged care provider Kalyra needed to connect its siloed systems in order to centralise data for both clients and employees.
SOLUTION: Kalyra adopted the Boomi Enterprise Platform — enabling it to enhance datainformed client care, launch new digital services, and fast-track workforce onboarding and productivity.
To achieve its objective, Kalyra selected the Boomi Enterprise Platform — enabling it to enhance data-informed client care, launch new digital services, and fast-track workforce onboarding and productivity.
“Accuracy is non-negotiable in caring for the aged and disadvantaged, and this starts with the digital systems that support our care workers,” said Nicole Fishers, General Manager of Information and Digital Services at Kalyra.
“But it was evident our extensive history, atop recent business expansion, was challenging our digital ecosystem with duplicate client data and inconsistencies scattered throughout, slowing time for our clients to receive care. We turned to Boomi to break down our data silos, paving the way for a new era of digital support services.”
Kalyra adopted Boomi’s integration platform as a service (iPaaS) to connect its core business systems through a hub-and-spoke model, including Elmo (human resources), AlayaCare (home care system), iCare (residential care system), CarePage (customer experience system) and My Kalyra (mobile app).
With its operational information feeding into the My Kalyra app, the organisation has launched an on-demand digital support service for families, who now have mobile-friendly access to realtime service updates, the ability to adjust care schedules on the fly, and full transparency into financial information.
“We’ve created a golden record of information that ensures everything in our client-facing app — and our internal systems — is accurate and updated in real time,” Fishers said. “Our care staff no longer have to waste time chasing down missing or outdated information; everything they need is instantly accessible. It’s a huge leap forward in both efficiency and client satisfaction.”
Kalyra used Boomi DataHub to serve up its golden record of information, with the benefits also extending to the organisation’s workforce management.
“Previously, onboarding was bogged down by disjointed manual processes, making it difficult to track new hires and vet qualifications,” Fishers said. “Centralising our resourcing data has reduced data entry duplications and errors, ultimately speeding up the onboarding of staff and better supporting the workforce that underpins Kalyra’s ability to provide consistent, high-quality care.”
According to Fishers, the Boomi-connected environment has also strengthened Kalyra’s reporting and governance efforts with its data framework able to more efficiently and accurately meet compliance and regulatory standards.
Looking to the future, Kalyra is gearing up to leverage even more of the Boomi Enterprise Platform’s capabilities to harness the growing potential of AI and robotics in improving health services.
“These kinds of innovations have the ability to automate routine tasks in residential care, allowing staff to focus on more meaningful interactions with residents,” Fishers said. “As we continue to innovate and enhance our services, Boomi is at the heart of this transformation, helping us create a coordinated and automated data environment for more personalised and efficient care experiences.”
HO W A USTRALIA
C OULD ACHIEVE A HOME CARE REVOL UTION
Utilising smart technology could help to take much pressure off aged care and medical facilities — but more funding is needed to achieve this goal.
That’s according to Healthy@Home, a NSW consortium of industry, university and government partners. The group includes five universities, healthcare providers, local health districts and the NSW Smart Sensing Network.
It says wearable devices can track and report lifestyle and biometric data, such as activity data and blood pressure readings, and trigger preventative and urgent alerts about falls and seizures to family members and carers.
The recommendation for increased technology funding comes after the federal parliament passed major changes to the aged care system to alleviate the demands of Australia’s rapidly aging population. These changes mean residents who are able will pay more for in-home care. The federal Minister for Aged Care, Anika Wells, said the once-in-a-generation reforms acknowledge older people want to stay in their own homes for longer so they can remain healthy, active and socially connected.
PROVIDING MORE SUPPORT AT HOME
The aged care system’s new Support at Home program includes an Assistive Technology and Home Modifications scheme which will give participants access to between $500 and $15,000 of assistive technology and/or home modifications from 1 July 2025.
“The current lowest level of funding for assistive technology in the federal government’s home care packages — $500 — falls woefully short of what is required,” said Catherine Oates Smith, NSW Smart Sensing Network Human Health Lead. “A smart watch costs upwards of $300, then you need an internet plan. We want the Assistive Technology and Home Modifications scheme’s lowest funding tier increased so that more older Australians can live independently with dignity and improved quality of life.”
CLOSE TO NINE OUT OF 10 FAMILY CARERS OR OLDER PEOPLE IN THE SURVEY THOUGHT SMART SENSOR TECHNOLOGIES IN THE HOME SHOULD BE FUNDED VIA A HOME CARE
PACKAGE OR OTHER TYPE OF GOVERNMENT ASSISTANCE.
The consortium’s call comes after their release of the preliminary results of an Australian-first survey of 1000 older Australians, their family and carers’ attitudes to technology-supported care in the home.
WHAT DID THE SURVEY FINDINGS SHOW?
The survey found close to nine out of 10 family carers or older people in the survey thought smart sensor technologies in the home should be funded via a home care package or other type of government assistance.
Professor Jason Prior from the UTS Institute for Sustainable Futures said the Australian-first survey made clear that older Australians want to use technology to stay home as long as possible, but more research is needed.
“The findings from the recent survey suggest most older Australians and their carers are willing to use smart sensor technology to stay at home longer, but further research is still needed to better understand the types of technologies they use and their cost,” Prior said. “This will allow government, carers and older Australians to better plan for a future in which our growing and aging population can lengthen the amount of time they age in the comfort of their homes.”
In October 2024, the UK’s NHS announced it was handing out smart watches and wearable tech to millions of people under a 10-year plan to help people stay healthy and out of hospital.
Professor Paul Eggleston from the University of Newcastle’s FASTLab said it is important the federal government appropriately invest in smart technologies so that older Australians can stay at home as long as possible.
“The message from Australians … is clear: they want smart technology to help them stay in their homes longer, live healthier lives, and feel safer,” Eggleton said. “This isn’t just about convenience — it’s about dignity, independence and easing the strain on our health system. Appropriate investment in smart technologies will enable our parents and grandparents to live the quality of life we’d all want for them.”
DESIGN MATTERS
CONTEMPORARY, INTEGRATED VILLAGE TRANSFORMATION
Two new multistorey aged care homes will be added to the HammondCare site in Hammondville, south-west Sydney. These facilities will be designed according to international best practice in terms of supporting those who live with dementia and other complex needs.
The site, covering about 12 hectares, is already home to the largest number of dementia-specific residential care beds in Australia. The two new aged care homes, expected to cost more than $63 million, will turn the Hammondville precinct into a contemporary, integrated village.
The new eastern aged care home for residents living with dementia will be called Jones, named after former Director of Care Services Olive Jones. Meanwhile, the new western building will provide general aged care services and be called Bond, after former Director of Nursing and HammondCare Board member Rosemary Bond.
Each care home will have three apartments, each with 15 ensuite rooms with a domestic kitchen and laundry based on HammondCare’s cottage model design, first developed in the 1990s. The apartments are intended to be familiar, comforting and homelike with easy access to the outdoors and balconies.
The project includes a new community hub featuring a general store designed for people with dementia, a hairdresser & barber, “The Watering Hole”, a men’s shed, community garden, kids’ playground and administrative spaces. >>
Image courtesy of HammondCare.
Image courtesy of HammondCare.
THE PROJECT INCLUDES A NEW COMMUNITY HUB FEATURING A GENERAL STORE DESIGNED FOR PEOPLE WITH DEMENTIA, A HAIRDRESSER & BARBER, “THE WATERING HOLE”, A MEN’S SHED, COMMUNITY GARDEN, KIDS’ PLAYGROUND AND ADMINISTRATIVE SPACES.
The Hammondville site presently offers residential care for nearly 300 residents, most living with dementia. Another 129 older people reside in independent living units. Around 500 staff are employed onsite.
Construction of the two new aged care homes is expected to begin in 2025, subject to the planning approval of a modification to the current development consent by Liverpool City Council.
Former HammondCare CEO Mike Baird, together with Liverpool Mayor Ned Mannoun, announced the 90-bed project to replace the older-style Bond House.
Baird said the project was a continuation of the legacy of Rev Bob Hammond, a man of great courage and vision, who began development at Hammondville in 1932 with a housing project for destitute families.
“This project is part of HammondCare’s ambition today to set the global standard of relationship-based care, for people with complex needs and to increase our care for those that others won’t or can’t,” he said.
Mannoun also welcomed HammondCare’s investment in world-class aged care accommodation for Liverpool. “Hammondville has an extraordinary history, special to the people of Sydney’s south-west, as a wonderful place for supporting people in need,” he said.
“First the need was housing for desperate families, then older people needing somewhere to live, and more recently the focus was support for people living with dementia.”
Mike Baird, Ned Mannoun and Rosemary Bond tree planting at the announcement of the new Hammondville project.
Image courtesy of HammondCare.
CONN E CTIN G RESIDENTS VIA A TELEHEALTH CART
CASE STUDY
PROBLEM:
An aged care facility in Townsville wanted to better connect its residents with their families and healthcare providers.
SOLUTION:
It deployed a telehealth cart that recently connected a resident with family who live remotely, as well as getting in touch with a GP for a care plan review and case conference.
An aged care facility in Townsville has deployed a telehealth cart as a means of better connecting its residents with their families and healthcare providers.
The Good Shepherd Home is one of 36 North Queensland residential aged care homes (RACHs) using the new VisionFlex telehealth cart, which is funded by the Northern Australian Regional Digital Health Collaborative (NARDHC) and the Department of Health and Aged Care through the Northern Queensland Primary Health Network (NQPHN).
One of the home’s residents recently connected to a family member who lived remotely, as well as getting in touch with a GP for a care plan review and case conference — all via the new telehealth cart.
“It was so nice to see Mum and speak with her,” the family member said. “It was also nice to speak with the doctor in real time using telehealth videoconferencing. The audio and visual were very clear.”
The Good Shepherd Home CEO Brian Matthews is pleased with the cart and its impact.
“The telehealth cart is more than just a tool; it’s a bridge that is helping our residents maintain meaningful connections with their families,” Matthews said.
“It allows them to engage with their loved ones, whether they’re catching up socially or working together on important care plan reviews.
“It’s been especially helpful for family members and nominated representatives who do not live locally, so they can feel more involved and informed about their loved one’s health.”
Matthews said the telehealth approach meant family members and nominated representatives could join video consultations remotely.
“It’s working to break down barriers and ensure everyone can be involved in their loved one’s care. This is also making residents feel more at ease and supported. We believe the cart is enhancing residents’ access to essential health services, while creating precious family time.”
He said the cart had also improved referral and assessment times for residents, giving them access to GPs between site-scheduled visits. The facility was using the telehealth cart for things such as digital health assessments to provide information as part of a physical examination, such as skin care, or the assessment of wounds or vital signs.
“We believe there are many benefits to telehealth in RACHs in the future, including electronic medication charting, documenting and prescribing remotely, a reduction in transferrals to hospital and reducing pressure on the emergency department after hours, and access to other visiting allied health services and specialists,” Matthews said.
Telehealth carts support practitioners in accessing information and improving medication safety and prescribing.
They are easy to use and convenient for GPs, residential aged care home staff and residents, and include HD cameras, a full-size patient-facing monitor, high-performing computer equipment, and a range of USB peripherals for vital readings and patient monitoring.
Accessibility options such as live speech-to-text transcription and closed captioning are also included for patients with hearing and vision impairment.
The Good Shepherd Home CEO Brian Matthews.
HOW SHIFTING AGED CARE LEGISLATION IMPACTS CLIENT COMMUNICATION
The aged care sector in Australia is undergoing a period of significant transformation, with a wave of legislative changes aimed at improving the quality of care, transparency and accountability across the industry. These changes have profound implications for how aged care providers communicate with their clients — the residents and their families — writes JOHN ANDERSON, Head of Services & Support at Airdocs.
Effective communication has always been central to aged care, but with new reforms reshaping the regulatory landscape, providers must adapt their strategies to remain compliant while fostering trust and understanding. Here’s an exploration of how evolving legislation affects client communications and what providers can do to stay ahead.
THE LEGISLATIVE LANDSCAPE: KEY CHANGES
Several key reforms are driving change in the aged care sector, including:
1. The Aged Care Quality Standards: Updated standards now emphasise consumer dignity, choice, and ongoing assessment and planning, requiring providers to demonstrate a client-centric approach in all communications.
2. Increased transparency: New measures mandate clear and accessible communication of fees, services and residents’ rights, ensuring clients and their families can make informed decisions.
3. Stronger compliance measures: Providers are now subject to stricter reporting requirements, particularly regarding complaints handling and incident management. This necessitates clear and prompt communication protocols.
4. The Aged Care Act reform: This sweeping legislative update introduces new rightsbased principles, further embedding communication as a core aspect of care delivery.
5. Support at Home program: The new Support at Home program will replace the Home Care Packages Program and ShortTerm Restorative Care Programme from 1 July 2025.
IMPACT ON CLIENT COMMUNICATIONS
Legislative changes place greater emphasis on clear, compassionate and transparent communication. Here’s how these reforms are reshaping interactions:
1. Enhanced clarity and transparency: Providers must offer detailed, jargon-free explanations of services, fees and care plans. This ensures clients and families fully understand their options and any associated costs, building trust and reducing the potential for disputes.
2. Responsive and proactive communication: The new standards require providers to actively listen to clients and respond to concerns in a timely manner. Communication channels must be accessible, and staff should be trained to handle inquiries and complaints effectively and empathetically.
3. Focus on consumer choice: With the emphasis on consumerdirected care, providers must regularly consult with clients about their preferences and ensure these are reflected in care plans. This necessitates ongoing, meaningful dialogue that respects individual needs and values.
4. Increased use of technology: To meet compliance requirements and enhance client engagement, many providers are adopting digital tools like online portals, apps and video conferencing. These platforms facilitate real-time updates and consultations, bridging communication gaps and increasing convenience for clients and families. While this increase in technology usage has its benefits, there is still the reliance on formal communications such as statements that must be delivered through multiple channels.
5. Cultural sensitivity and inclusivity: The sector’s commitment to diversity means providers must tailor communications to suit cultural, linguistic and individual needs. This includes offering translated materials, interpreters, and culturally appropriate messaging and accessible communications.
STRATEGIES FOR SUCCESS
To navigate these changes effectively, aged care providers should consider the following strategies:
1. Invest in staff training: Equip staff with the skills to communicate effectively, handle sensitive conversations, and understand the nuances of the new regulations.
2. Leverage technology: Implement user-friendly digital platforms to streamline communication and improve transparency. Ensure these tools are accessible to all clients, including those less familiar with technology, ie, multi-channel.
3. Engage in regular consultations: Build a culture of collaboration by seeking regular feedback from clients and families. Use this feedback to refine services and address concerns proactively.
4. Simplify messaging: Ensure all communications — from care plans to service agreements — are written in plain language and supported by visual aids where appropriate.
5. Strengthen complaint handling processes: Develop robust systems for managing complaints and incidents. Promptly communicate resolutions and use these as opportunities to improve service quality.
As Australia’s aged care sector evolves, so too must the communication practices of its providers. By embracing transparency, responsiveness and inclusivity, aged care
organisations can not only meet legislative requirements but also foster deeper trust and satisfaction among clients and their families. Change can be challenging, but with the right strategies, it’s an opportunity to enhance care and connection across the sector.
John Anderson has over 40 years of technology experience, with a strong focus on business process optimisation, solutions and support. With a deep understanding of the Australian care sector, he has spent the last decade working with three software providers specialising in aged care funding and software solutions. At Airdocs, John leads the Services & Support team, ensuring care providers receive expert guidance in streamlining operations, enhancing software solutions, and navigating complex funding and compliance requirements.
THE TRUE COST OF FALLS IN AGED CARE
Acosting the Australian health system.
Published in BMJ Group’s journal Injury Prevention, the research shows that these injuries could be costing $325 billion per year.
Dr Charles Okafor from UQ’s Centre for Health Services Research said the study found fall injuries accounted for 20% of annual expenditure on an aged care resident from 2021–2022.
“We monitored 303 people aged over 65 in aged care facilities in New South Wales and Western Australia, and found the average cost of a fall resulting in injury was around $2500,” Okafor said.
“A total of 281 residents had falls, but only 119 of the residents had fall injuries, so the potential cost of fall injuries to Australia’s healthcare system was $325 million a year.
“Falls pose a significant financial burden but despite efforts to address the issue over the years, falls continue to remain a significant problem.”
The study also found that body mass index (BMI) and gender were the two major factors linked to a high falls risk.
“We found male residents were twice as likely to suffer a fall-related injury and those with a normal BMI were also at higher risk,” Okafor said.
“Residents with a normal BMI are possibly more independent and not as closely monitored as those who could be overweight or underweight and less mobile.
“The falls risk profile is completely different for those living in the community, which means we need different approaches for different populations.”
While a national prevention strategy is in place through the Australian and New Zealand Falls Prevention Society, Okafor said more work is needed to create a strategy specifically catering to aged care residents.
“Successful examples like the National Ageing Research Institute’s falls prevention in residential aged care workshops could be used as models for implementation nationwide.
“This could come about by liaising with stakeholders to find out what the training needs of aged care staff are, the challenges they’re facing, and what could minimise costs,” Okafor said.
WHY TEXTURE-MODIFIED FOOD BOOSTS MEALTIME INCLUSIVITY
Astudy by Monash University recently revealed that less than 10% of aged care residents finish their main meals, often due to issues with meal appeal and taste. Fortunately, this has been addressed and has become a major focus of the new Aged Care Standards — helping to improving the choice and variety of foods in aged care, writes SAM BRIDGEWATER, founder of The Pure Food Co.
It is important for providers to align with the new Aged Care Standards around food quality, variety and nutrition. With the right set-up, training and professional support, aged care staff can confidently prepare a range of textured-modified meals that meet the precise requirements for texture, nutrition, portion size and presentation.
THE IMPORTANCE OF SOCIAL CONNECTION
Mealtimes in aged care are about so much more than nutrition — they are rituals built around pleasure, choice and dignity.
By prioritising mealtimes as a social occasion, it gives structure to the day, creating moments to look forward to, which can be incredibly valuable for those who may otherwise experience feelings of loneliness or isolation.
Showing interest in each other’s lives over shared meals builds relationships, reinforces a sense of community and promotes emotional wellbeing — and for older residents, these social interactions provide a human connection offering comfort, engagement and a sense of belonging.
They also hold special significance for people with dysphagia, a condition that makes swallowing difficult and potentially dangerous. For those affected, eating safely can be a daily challenge and fear around mealtimes can limit their ability to enjoy the benefits of sharing a meal with others.
Many may find that playing classical music helps residents relax — promoting a sense of calm that encourages residents to focus on >>
their meal and eat at a comfortable pace. By creating a calm, supportive environment where there’s a choice of colourful, appetising, appealing and easy-to-eat textured meals, these fears can be minimised.
SUPPORTING RESIDENTS WITH SWALLOWING DIFFICULTIES
With proper planning and attention to texturemodified foods that meet International Dysphagia Diet Standardisation Initiative (IDDSI) guidelines, those with swallowing difficulties can share in the warmth of all dining occasions without feeling left out or their safety compromised.
It is very important that texture-modified meals resemble regular meals. A well-presented plate can stimulate appetite and helps reinforce the idea that mealtime is something to look forward to — and an opportunity for residents to feel seen and respected.
It creates an inclusive atmosphere that allows residents to enjoy the social and emotional connection of dining, making mealtimes feel inclusive and enjoyable rather than a functional task.
When everyone, regardless of dietary needs, can participate in mealtimes, it honours their identity and reinforces a sense of belonging.
As we embrace the new Aged Care Standards, let’s remember that while residents’ dietary needs may change, their right to food choice shouldn’t.
WHY MEALTIME CONTRIBUTES TO THE WELLBEING OF RESIDENTS IN AGED CARE FACILITIES
• Social connection: Mealtimes provide a sense of structure, companionship and purpose. Regular, enjoyable mealtimes are essential in providing a stable, comforting environment that supports a resident’s mental and physical health.
• Emotional comfort: Familiar meals and dining routines provide emotional comfort and can bring a sense of normalcy to daily life.
• Routine and structure: Regular mealtimes create a safe and predictable routine which is beneficial for residents with dysphagia or cognitive impairments, helping them feel more secure and at ease.
• Nutrition: A positive mealtime setting encourages residents to eat well to support their nutrient intake for muscle maintenance, cognitive health and immune function.
• Cultural and personal identity: Food is closely tied to culture and personal identity, so offering favourite dishes or traditional recipes can help residents feel safe, respected and valued.
Sam Bridgewater is the founder of The Pure Food Co.
LONGER LIFE HOW TO LIVE A
Anew study by Griffith University has found that increasing physical activity levels could increase the lifespan of the population.
Physical activity has long been known to be good for health; however, estimates have varied regarding how much benefit could be gained from a defined amount of activity, both for individuals and for populations.
This latest study, published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine, used accelerometry to gain an accurate view of the population’s physical activity levels, instead of relying on survey responses as other previous studies have done, and found the benefits were around twice as strong as previous estimates.
MEASURING ACTIVITY LEVELS
The study found the most active quarter of people in the community had a 73% lower risk of death than their least active counterparts.
For that least active quartile, a single one-hour walk could potentially return a benefit of around six additional hours of life. Lead researcher Professor Lennert Veerman said this cohort had the greatest potential for health gains.
“If you’re already very active or in that top quartile, an extra hour’s walk may not make much difference as you’ve, in a sense, already ‘maxxed out’ your benefit,” he said.
“If the least active quartile of the population over age 40 were to increase their activity level to that of the most active quartile, however, they might live, on average, about 11 years longer.
“This is not an unreasonable prospect, as 25% of the population is already doing it. It can be any type of exercise but would roughly be the equivalent of just under three hours of walking per day.”
THE DANGERS OF LOW PHYSICAL ACTIVITY
The research team suggested low levels of physical activity could even rival the negative effects of smoking, with other research finding that each cigarette could take 11 minutes from a smoker’s life.
By extension, a more active lifestyle could also offer protective effects against heart disease, stroke, certain cancers and other chronic illnesses, with the study’s findings highlighting a need for national physical activity guidelines to be revisited using these methods.
Veerman said physical activity had been vastly underestimated in its capacity to improve health outcomes, suggesting even modest increases in movement could lead to significant life-extension benefits.
“If there’s something you could do to more than halve your risk of death, physical activity is enormously powerful,” he said.
“If we could increase investment in promoting physical activity and creating living environments that promote it, such as walkable or cyclable neighbourhoods and convenient, affordable public transport systems, we could not only increase longevity but also reduce pressure on our health systems and the environment.”
HELPING OLDER ADULTS TO COMMUNICATE IN NOISY ENVIRONMENTS
Could online training be the key to improving communication in everyday environments?
According to research by University College London (UCL) experts, the answer to this question is yes.
The researchers conducted a study, published in the Journal of Experimental Psychology: Applied, which tested whether learned voices were easier to understand than unfamiliar voices in 20 older (55–73 years) and 20 younger (18–34 years) adults.
Participants took part in some preparatory online training, where they were trained to understand three new voices by listening to them each say 10 meaningful sentences until they became “familiar”.
They then had to listen to one of these voices speak at the same time as two new “unfamiliar” voices (similar to in a social setting) to see if they could pick out a specific sentence and name which of the three “familiar” speakers they were listening to.
Participants completed this exercise 468 times each and the target “familiar” voice changed throughout the trial.
WHAT HAPPENED?
The researchers found that there was around a 30% improvement in understanding sentences spoken by new voices that participants had been trained to recognise, in both older and younger adults.
Lead author Dr Emma Holmes (UCL Psychology & Language Sciences) said: “People often face the challenge of understanding speech in noisy environments: imagine a festive office party, a family gathering, or trying to hold a conversation in a busy café. This process becomes more challenging as people age.
“Yet, in these environments, we are better at understanding people who are familiar to us, such as our family members, friends and colleagues.
“In this paper we found people get as much benefit from being trained to understand newly familiarised voices, as for naturally familiar voices such as family members.”
Participants were able to complete the training on a computer in the comfort of their own homes and effective results were seen in less than one hour.
LOOKING TO THE FUTURE
Based on their findings, the team believes that if a person practices listening to voices that they regularly encounter, it could improve their everyday communication.
“This type of training may be particularly appealing to older adults, given that people often find it increasingly difficult to understand speech in noisy places as they age,” Holmes said.
The researchers now aim to personalise the training to voices that participants regularly encounter in their daily lives. Eventually, after technical development, they hope the training will be publicly available via a smartphone app. They also hope to explore how this type of training could help people who have hearing loss, who often find it difficult to communicate in noisy places.
The researchers recently published another study, funded by the Royal National Institute for Deaf People, on how people focus on a voice of interest amid multiple conversations. They found that both younger adults and older adults with excellent hearing use the location of the voice to understand speech. However, this ability decreases with agerelated hearing loss.
Interestingly, this decline occurs even when the hearing loss is below the clinical diagnosis threshold. This suggests that changes in both peripheral and central auditory processes begin before clinical hearing loss is diagnosed, explaining why people with hearing loss struggle in noisy environments.
GENDER INEQUALITY HOW IMPACTS ON DEMENTIA CARE
The gendered experiences of women with dementia were largely overlooked in the Australian Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety’s (ACRC) final report, analysis shows.
Dementia is a disease that disproportionately affects women, whether they live with dementia themselves or are responsible for supporting someone with dementia in aged care.
Dr Kristina Chelberg and Dr Linda Steele, from the University of Technology Sydney, explored the representation of women, dementia and aged care in the ACRC that informed the ‘once-in-a-generation’ reforms contained in the new Aged Care Act, in an article titled ‘Hidden in plain sight: Women and gendered dementia dynamics in the Australian Aged Care Royal Commission’, which was published in the Journal of Aging Studies.
GENDERED EXPERIENCES IN AGED CARE
Chelberg said the Act failed to address gendered issues of dementia aged care even though 63% of people with dementia are women and 75% of care partners of people with dementia are women.
“Using the ACRC’s final report as a case study, we found it reflected global patterns, where the standard or normative gendered structure of aged care shaped both women’s experiences of dementia, and supporting or advocating for someone with dementia,” she said.
“In particular, the harms experienced by women with dementia in aged care were overlooked, while the feminised labour of women care partners was taken for granted.
“The ACRC was explicitly required to inquire into dementia and dementia care, as well as action to be taken to address findings of substandard care including mistreatment, abuse and systemic failures.”
Chelberg said their analysis of the Commission’s Final Report found that women in aged care were not only devalued but were also represented as tiresome and troublesome, either for complaining or for their dementia-related behaviour, and thus undeserving of justice.
“For women care partners, as well as experiencing frustration, guilt and grief on behalf of the person in aged care, those who acted as carer advocates or system navigators were ridiculed or labelled a ‘difficult woman’ when they complained about treatment or lack of it,” she said.
“This is often in the context of deficient complaint management processes by the facility provider and by the regulatory body which simultaneously undermine, outsource and exploit women’s care labour.”
DIFFERING REPRESENTATIONS OF MEN AND WOMEN
Stark examples of the devaluation of women with dementia were seen in the representation of people with dementia, according to Chelberg.
“The life stories of women with dementia represented in the Final Report were mainly in relation to their dementia and their family.
“For example: ‘Mrs CA was born on 5 June 1936. She was 82 years old at the time of the Sydney Hearing. Mrs CA is married with five daughters and two sons. Mrs CA was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease in or around 2010. She lived at home with her husband until May 2018.’
“Whereas men’s pre-dementia identities mention career, achievements, community reputation and hobbies as well as family: ‘The late Mr CH was born in 1926. He grew up on a family farm in Morgan, South Australia. He married B in 1954 and they had five children, one of whom is Ms NH. Mr CH worked for much of his life as an orchardist
DEMENTIA IS A DISEASE THAT DISPROPORTIONATELY AFFECTS WOMEN, WHETHER THEY LIVE WITH DEMENTIA THEMSELVES OR ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR SUPPORTING SOMEONE WITH DEMENTIA IN AGED CARE.
on the same farm on which he grew up. He loved his community and was the chairman of the Morgan Lions Club. Mr CH enjoyed restoring paddleboats on the Murray River and was a keen fisherman. In about 1991, Mr CH developed dementia.’
“In the case of care partners, the final report’s extracts noted cases where staff had spoken derogatorily about female care partners who had complained, the care partners spoke of feeling ‘bullied and intimidated’ by management and were labelled as ‘angry and difficult’,” Chelberg said.
“Daughters experienced intimidation, exclusion, exhaustion, grief, and felt they were failing their parent, at the same time as their complaint labour took them away from precious time with their loved one.
“Nevertheless, the report depicted navigating, advocating and complaining as a normalised duty of women care partners and implicit work of female caring and did nothing more than praise them for their ‘on-going and tireless advocacy’.
“In sum, the Royal Commission neither included the voices of women with dementia, nor recognised the labour of women care partners, and thus reinforced, rather than challenged, the marginalised status of women in the aged care system.”
DOES WATCHING TV INCREASE DE MEN TIA RISK?
When it comes to sedentary activities, new research suggests some can be more damaging to cognitive health than others.
Researchers at the University of South Australia (UniSA) have assessed the 24-hour activity patterns of 397 older adults (aged 60+). Their findings suggest that the context or type of activity does matter when it comes to brain health — and more specifically, that some sedentary (or sitting) behaviours are better for cognitive function than others.
WHAT ACTIVITIES ARE BENEFICIAL FOR BRAIN HEALTH?
The researchers found that social or mentally stimulating activities such as reading, listening to music, praying, crafting, playing a musical instrument or chatting with others are beneficial for memory and thinking abilities. However, watching TV and playing video games are detrimental.
Researchers believe that there is likely a hierarchy of how sedentary behaviours relate to cognitive function, in that some have positive effects while others have negative effects.
It is a valuable insight that could help reduce risks of cognitive impairment, particularly when at least 45% of dementia cases could be prevented through modifiable lifestyle factors.
CONTEXT IS KEY
“In this research, we found that the context of an activity alters how it relates to cognitive function, with different activities providing varying levels of cognitive stimulation and social engagement,” said UniSA researcher Dr Maddison Mellow.
“We already know that physical activity is a strong protector against dementia risk, and this should certainly be prioritised if you are trying to improve your brain health. But until now, we hadn’t directly explored whether we can benefit our brain health by swapping one sedentary behaviour for another.
“We found that sedentary behaviours which promote mental stimulation or social engagement — such as reading or talking with friends — are beneficial for cognitive function, whereas others, like watching TV or gaming, have a negative effect. So, the type of activity is important.
“And, while the ‘move more, sit less’ message certainly holds true for cardiometabolic and brain health, our research shows that a more nuanced approach is needed when it comes to thinking about the link between sedentary behaviours and cognitive function.”
HOW CAN PEOPLE TAKE CARE OF THEIR COGNITIVE HEALTH?
“To achieve the best brain health and physical health benefits, you should prioritise movement that’s enjoyable and gets the heart rate up, as this has benefits for all aspects of health,” Mellow said.
“But even small five-minute time swaps can have benefits. So, if you’re dead set on having a movie marathon, try to break up that time with some physical activity or a more cognitively engaged seated activity, like reading, at some point. That way you can slowly build up healthier habits.”
SHOULD OLDER PEOPLE TAKE DRIVING LESS ONS?
The latest research into older driver behaviour suggests that that tailored driving lessons can improve safety on the road for older drivers.
Now, a new website launched by UNSW Sydney and Neuroscience Research Australia (NeuRA) is designed to help older drivers navigate licensing rules that differ from state to state while providing advice on how to keep driving longer.
Scientia Professor Kaarin Anstey is an expert in cognitive aging and has been involved in several projects researching older driver safety at UNSW Sydney. Her team at NeuRA has recently completed a randomised controlled trial of older drivers — called the Better Drive Study — to see whether driving skills can be improved despite the physical and cognitive challenges of old age.
“We know that older drivers have higher rates of crashes than middleaged drivers,” said Anstey. “And we see an uptick of crashes particularly in the over-80s. But until recently, the way that has been managed is through regulation, in licence removal, which is basically an all-ornothing approach. But for some older drivers, they got their licence when they were 16 and they tell you they learned to drive in a paddock. And now the driving environments have completely changed, cars have changed, and they’ve never done any refresher courses.”
HOW WAS THE TRIAL CARRIED OUT?
In the trial, drivers over 65 were put into three groups. The first completed a road rules refresher course, which Anstey said effectively functions as the control in the experiment. “Previous research has shown it improves knowledge but not necessarily driving safety or crash risk,” she said.
The second group was videoed as they drove — with one camera pointing outwards to the road and one trained on the driver. At the end of the drive, participants were played back any errors they made. For the third group, the drivers received the video feedback with the additional benefit of lessons tailored to focus on their errors.
The researchers have followed the drivers in the three groups after 12 months, to see if their driving improves over time.
“We haven’t yet analysed our results as we’ve just completed our last assessment. But in our pilot study, which was very similar, we found that of the people that had our intervention involving driving lessons and video feedback, we moved a significant proportion from unsafe to safe drivers, and we reduced their driving errors,” Anstey said.
While the researchers do see a similar range of errors made by older drivers in the study that are different to the sort made by young drivers,
not all mistakes being caught are necessarily due to the effects of old age.
“A lot of these are just bad habits that drivers have brought with them from their younger years,” Anstey said.
DEMENTIA AND DRIVING
While dementia was screened in participants for the purposes of the Better Drive Study, having dementia does not necessarily result in disqualification of a person’s driver’s licence.
“If a person has dementia, they have to be given a restricted licence that limits them to driving close to home,” Anstey said. “Most people continue to drive with early dementia. In fact, international research shows that people with Alzheimer’s disease continue to drive for 18 months to three years after first diagnosis.”
This may partly be due to the fact that GPs and clinicians are getting better at diagnosing early stage dementia which in the past would have been undetected, and the person would have continued to drive as normal. But it does also depend on what type of dementia is detected — there are some forms of dementia that exclude people from driving, particularly those that seriously affect coordination, or the planning and decision-making parts of the brain, known as executive functioning.
“For these reasons, whether or not you can drive has to be decided on an individual basis by a GP and occupational therapist,” Anstey said.
The different states in Australia have different rules around assessing someone’s physical and cognitive fitness for driving.
The rules range from self-reporting medical conditions that may affect a driver’s ability — as is the case in Victoria — to annual medical assessments from a GP after the age of 75 and practical driving tests once over the age of 85, as is the case in NSW.
THE ROAD AHEAD
Anstey said she would like to see intervention and improving driving skills for older drivers become an accepted part of our driving lives.
“People don’t naturally ask themselves, ‘Do I need to update my driving skills?’,” she said. “The idea is that we need to put some effort into improving our driving and maintaining our skills, and it shouldn’t be stigmatised at all. It could be something like, when you turn 50 you’re invited to have an extra driving lesson just to check in on your driving. At the moment you’d only get that if you had something wrong with your driving. It’d be better to make it a normal part of life.”
The Better Drive Study concluded in September 2024 with results to be made available in 2025.
A D AY IN THE LIFE
AMANDA BARTOSEWICZ WORKING THROUGH THE CHALLENGES
Despite encountering some very challenging circumstances and setbacks in her personal life, Amanda Bartosewicz always knew her dream was to work in aged care.
“I always wanted to work in aged care for as long as I remember. Initially I had dreams of becoming a geriatrician; however, I found it challenging to progress into medical studies due to some challenges in my earlier years,” she said.
Born and raised in Australia, Amanda moved to Poland with her mother when she was 16. Despite not knowing any Polish, Amanda managed to complete high school and begin her studies in nursing. However, her mother then moved back to Australia, leaving Amanda in Poland with her abusive stepfather. She ultimately became homeless when he kicked her out of the family home.
After moving to Australia without a degree or a diploma, Amanda decided to become a carer at an aged care home — which she absolutely loved, because caring for people was what she had always wanted to do. Due to the fact that the idea of becoming a registered nurse initially scared her, Amanda decided to instead study a Diploma of Enrolled Nursing.
“After having my placements for enrolled nursing, I just knew that my heart wasn’t in hospitals. I knew my place was in aged care,” she said.
Four months after completing her Diploma in Nursing, Amanda applied for and was successful in securing an enrolled nursing position at Calvary’s Brighton aged care facility. While working at the facility, Amanda found the courage to achieve her lifelong goal by furthering her studies to become a registered nurse.
“I was given the opportunities to step up and learn new skills. From teaching me the clinical side of things early on and recognising my potential, the support from Calvary and my husband Chris 100% helped get me here,” Amanda said. “The staff — and management — were so supportive. They even put up a countdown for how many days left I had left of my degree.”
Since completing her registered nursing degree, Amanda has taken up a position as Calvary Brighton’s Clinical Coordinator.
“As one of the Clinical Care Coordinators at Calvary Brighton, I ensure all residents’ needs are met and the staff are happy and managing their responsibilities,” she said.
“My day normally starts with doing a quick round where I chat with residents to see they are getting what they need, before checking in with staff and making any referrals that need actioning. Ensuring we have supplies and equipment ordered is also part of my morning routine.
“I then get on with the rest of my day, which includes conducting audits, updating spreadsheets, assisting with meal rounds and connecting with families to make sure they’re feeling supported.
“I’d encourage anyone considering a career change to give aged care a go. Working with the elderly is life-changing. I’ve had some beautiful conversations with my residents throughout my career and they have shaped who I am today. The biggest reward is the honour of caring for another human in their final chapters of life.”
AGED CARE ANTIBIOTIC COULD PUT RESIDENTS AT RISK
Better antibiotic management is needed in residential aged care to protect against superbugs, new research suggests.
A new study from Flinders University and the South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute (SAHMRI), published in the Journal of Infection, explores the link between the widespread use of antibiotics in residential aged care and the resulting antibiotic-resistant bacteria in the gut that can be passed on to other residents.
“Commonly used tablet antibiotics in the elderly increase many types of resistance bacteria carried in the gut and these so-called ‘superbugs’ can increase resistance to other important life-saving antibiotic drugs,” said lead author and PhD student Sophie Miller.
“High rates of antibiotic prescriptions in aged care settings are likely to be contributing to the proliferation of these bugs, which can lead to longer hospital stays, higher medical costs and increased mortality.
“This trend not only compromises the effectiveness of antibiotic treatment but also poses a significant risk of treatment failures in an already vulnerable community.”
The World Health Organization names antibiotic resistance as one of the biggest threats to global health, food security and development, with a growing number of infections — including pneumonia, tuberculosis, gonorrhoea and salmonellosis — becoming harder to treat as the antibiotics used to treat them become less effective.
“Responding effectively to the global health threat of antibiotic resistance requires a detailed understanding of the influence and impact of antibiotic prescribing patterns,” Miller said.
WHAT DID THE STUDY REVEAL?
The researchers analysed stool samples collected from 164 residents in five long-term aged care facilities in South Australia to learn more about the genes carried by their gut bacteria that lead to antibiotic resistance.
“We discovered that an antibiotic commonly prescribed to aged care residents was strongly associated with an increase in resistance to other antibiotics the resident had not been prescribed,” Miller said.
Alarmingly, research revealed nearly all participants carried these resistant genes without displaying any symptoms, raising significant concerns for this particularly vulnerable demographic.
“Our findings suggest that even antibiotics that are not typically associated with major modifications in gut bacteria can significantly escalate the presence of resistance genes,” Miller said.
Senior author Professor Geraint Rogers, Director of the Microbiome and Host Health Program at SAHMRI and Matthew Flinders Fellow in the College of Medicine and Public Health at Flinders University, said the implications of this study extend beyond individual patient care.
“As the population ages and life expectancy extends, the implications of our findings emphasise the importance of a holistic approach to antibiotic management in long-term aged care settings,” Rogers said.
“There are concerns that practitioners may be overprescribing antibiotics, potentially increasing the risk of resistant bacterial infections, and this study’s findings suggest a need for extra caution when prescribing them for older patients.”
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