Lecture 4 Aged Care

Question 1

What is the definition of ‘aged’?

Answer 1

65+

Question 2

What do most aged patients want?

Answer 2

1. Continue living at home - scared to be put in a home!
2. Home support
3. Transport options/community access
4. Help with terminal conditions (in their home)
5. Comfortable residential care options

Question 3

What is dementia?

Answer 3

• progressive decline in ST memory + cognitive function

- normal consciousness

Question 4

What is delirium

Answer 4

• acute confusional state
• disturbance of cognition + attention
• disordered sleep-wake cycle
• fluctuating nature
• can only be dx’ed by knowing what the pt’s cognition was like BEFORE

*3rd leading cause of death in Aus!

Question 5

What is the management for delirium + dementia

Answer 5

Drugs -

Support - orientate the pt (eg photos of family), support for family, carers, EPOA

Question 6

What is the management for delirium

Answer 6

Treat the cause
Exclude neuro causes
Avoid restraints
Psychotropics only if necessary

Question 7

What are the goals of physio in acute care for aged?

Answer 7

1. Return to pre-mordid function
2. Return to previous living accomodation
3. Educate+support to prevent another episode

Question 8

Definition of falls

Answer 8

• coming to a rest inadvertently on the floor/ground/lower level

Question 9

What can physios do to prevent falls?

Answer 9

1. Balance
2. Strength
3. FAlls prevention education
4. Referral to specialist
5. Aids
6. Injury prevention equipment

Question 10

What is ACAT?

Answer 10

• Aged care assessment team
• they decide who gets into RACF, commonwealth funded community programs
• comprehensive MDT assessment

Question 11

What is TACP

Answer 11

transitional aged care package

- provides help to the elderly

Question 12

Whats the role of physio in RACF?

Answer 12

1. provide low cost treatment that maintains or improves the health/functional abilities of residents
2. Play a role in:
   - rehab
   - palliative care
   - resident lifestyle