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Aged Care

Immunisations for Older Australians

Immunisation is important at any age but we recommend that you stay up to date with the following immunisations if you are older than 65:

  • the flu

  • shingles

  • measles, mumps and rubella

  • whooping cough

  • pneumococcal disease.

Immunisations

Exercise for Older Australians

Exercise

It is important to stay active as you get older. Exercise has many benefits including:

  • helping to lower your risk of some illnesses

  • helping to reduce your risk of injury from falls

  • helping to control your weight.

 

Older people should aim for around 30 minutes of physical activity per day. We recommend that you mix your exercise up to include 4 main types:

 

  • Cardiovascular

  • Strength

  • Flexibility

  • Balancing

 

Check out the Physical Activity Guidelines for Older Australians here for some examples of different exercises that are beneficial for people of all ages, but particularly beneficial as you age.

Bone Health

Bone Health

Your bones continuously renew themselves by breaking down and rebuilding bone tissue throughout your life, but as you get older, more bone is broken down than is rebuilt. That means, that as you get older, your bones naturally become weaker and less dense. As they get weaker over time, bones may get damaged or break even from small injuries, such as a minor fall.

 

Bone health is impacted by the foods you eat, medical conditions and the medicines you take.

 

You can improve bone health by:

 

  • Eating healthy foods and keeping active

  • Including weight-bearing exercises into your daily routines

  • reducing or stopping smoking

  • drinking alcohol in moderation

  • getting enough vitamin D from sunlight and calcium from food sources

Government Subsidised Aged Care Services

Aged Care Services

Are you wondering if you can get some help with day-to-day tasks around the house? Maybe you need some respite care while your family or carer is away? Or perhaps it’s time to look into aged care homes. There are many services that can help you maintain a good quality of life as you get older.

 

The first stage is to find out if you are eligible for subsidised aged care. This involves a two-part assessment process that understands your needs and what services could help you. It starts with a simple eligibility check which you can do online or over the phone followed by an in-person assessment.

 

You may be eligible if you have: 

  • noticed a change in what you can do or remember

  • been diagnosed with a medical condition or reduced mobility

  • experienced a change in family care arrangements, or

  • experienced a recent fall or hospital admission.

 

The Australian Government manages the assessment process through My Aged Care, an online portal which provides a range of information about the types of care, the assessment process and an eligibility check.

Continence Aids Payment Scheme

Continence Aids

If you have incontinence, you can talk to a registered health professional. They can help you with developing a continence management plan. It’s a good way to get help and develop strategies to manage your daily activities. This can include help with things like work, travel and exercise.

 

If you have permanent and severe incontinence, you may be eligible for the Continence Aids Payment Scheme. This is a yearly non-taxable payment to cover some of the cost of products that help you manage incontinence. For more information and to check your eligibility visit Continence Aids Payment Scheme.

Walking with Sticks

Walking with Sticks

Walking sticks are really useful if you’re unsteady on your feet or have trouble walking. It essentially provides a wider base when you’re walking to reduce the risk of falling or injury.

 

There are few simple rules to follow when using a stick.

 

To walk​

  1. Hold the stick on your good side.

  2. Get your balance

  3. Swing the stick forward as you step forward with your opposing leg so that the stick and your foot should touch the ground at the same time.

 

To climb up stairs

  1. Step up with your good leg first (you can hold a rail with the hand that is not holding the stick).

  2. Place your stick forward onto the step

  3. Step up with your weak leg while leaning on your stick

 

To climb down stairs

  1. Place your stick forward onto the step in front of you.

  2. The stick should be held with the hand that is opposite to the injured or weak leg.

  3. Step forward with your injured leg, leaning on the stick

  4. Step down with your strong leg

 

Adjusting height of a walking stick

  • Stand with the walking stick by your side

  • Align the wrist with the hip joint

  • Your elbow should be slightly bent. This will give you an idea

  • of how long the walking stick should be

  • Ensure this position is comfortable for you

  • Stand as straight as possible when you walk

 

Reference

  1. Yeung, I. walking stick , Queensland Health, https://www.health.qld.gov.au/pahospital/services/docs/walking_sticks.pdf

  2. Kivi, R. The proper way to sue a walking Cane, http://www.livestrong.com/article/218793-about-the-use-of-a-cane-with-a-hip-replacement/

Renewing your Drivers Licence

Renewing Licence

For Australians 80 years of age or older, an annual medical assessment is required before you can renew your drivers licence.

 

You will need to:

  • Complete a Medical assessment certificate - senior driver's licence renewal declaration.

  • Undertake a medical examination with your Health Professional to assess your fitness to drive.

 

If your Doctor is concerned about your medical fitness to drive they may recommend that you complete an annual Practical Driving Assessment.

 

The Department of Transport has more information on drivers licence renewal. Visit their website here.

Links to Information

Links to Information

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