Newsletters for Aged Care
Nutrition Matters May 2012
Nutrition: A Vital Treatment For Wound Healing…
The presence of chronic wounds presents significant social, emotional, economic and healthcare burders for Australia. With recent studies showing wound management within the elderly population to be a growing issue, having strategies in place in our aged care facilities to prevent wounds occuring and promote healig of those existing is esssential…
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Nutrition Matters February 2012
Nutrition and Falls Prevention…
Presently, falls are among the most serious preventable injury facing older Australians. The nutritional status of an elderly adult has been shown to be a determining factor in their risk of falling, severity of injuries incurred and recovery time after a fall-related injury (2). Studies have confirmed that deficiencies in micro- and macro-nutrients are associated with increased falls risk due to the many sides effects of poor nutritional condition, including redused muscular strength and impaired mobility (1)… (click here for complete newsletter)
Nutrition Matters October 2011
Diabetes, diet and quality of life – A little sugar is okay…
Diabetes affects approximately 15% of people over the age of 65 (1) and thus affects numerous people living in residential aged care facilities. As the prevalence of diabetes is continually increasing, the number of people in residentual care that suffer from diabetes is also rising. It is therefore important that staff, family and friends are aware of the most appropriate nutritional management of diabetes for people in residential care, where quality of life plays an integral role… click here for complete newsletter
Nutrition Matters July 2011
Palliative care – Nutrition issues at end of life…
Palliative care is an approach to treatment that focuses on improving quality of life in people diagnosed with a life-threatening illness (1). When a resident is receiving palliative the focus of their treatment is symptom management and the intention is neither to prolong life nor hasten death (1). Depending on “how palliative” a resident is, whether they have been diagnosed with a terminal illness but death is not imminent, or if they are reaching end-of-life, will result in the goals of care being significantly different… click here for the complete newsletter
Nutrition Matters December 2010
Malnutrition – A burdern for the elderly…
Malnutrition is commonly recognised as an imbalance between the body’s demand for nutrients and energy and the supply of nutrients and energy delivered. When an imbalnace exists, body maintenance, growth and functioning become compromised. The prevalence of malnutrition has been found to rise with age and to place a profound burden on the health, social and psychologist state of the elderly. This article looks at how malnutrition burdens the elderly and discusses some of the preventative measures that can be taken to tackle malnutrition…click here for the complete newsletter
Nutrition Matters September 2010
Finger foods aren’t just for children and parties…
Dementia is a common term used to describe many illnesses that result in progressive decline of a person’s memory, functioning, intellect, social and emotional skills. The most common types of dementia include Alzheimers Disease and Vascular Dementia. Other less common types are dementia with Lewy Bodies, Fronto-Temporal Lobar Degeneration and Korsakoff’s Syndrome. Nutrition is important for residents with all forms of dementia…click here for complete newsletter
Nutrition Matters June 2010
Preparing a Pureed Diet Menu…
Texture modified foods in aged care are used to ensure residents with dysphagia (swallowing difficulty) can consume foods and fluids safely, without pain or fatigue. People with dysphagia are at risk of “aspiration” (solids or liquids accidentally entering the lungs), which can result in serious illness, including pnuemonia and even death. Texture modified meals include ‘soft’ meals, ‘minced and moist’ meals and ‘smooth pureed’ meals (also known as vitamised) and this article will focus on the preparation of the ‘pureed’ diet type… click here for complete newsletter
Nutrition Matters September 2009
Nutrition the key to wound healing and prevention in the elderly…
Recent studies have shown wound management to be a significant and growing issue within our elderly population. Between 25% and 43% of residents within aged care will have wounds at any one time (1,2). Wound care is costing tax payers $286 million in hospital bed days (3), impacted by poor wound care and infections… click here for complete newsletter
Nutrition Matters June 2009
Nutritional Management of Diabetes in the Elderly…
Elderly people with diabetes have different dietary needs and goals to younger people with diabetes. Management of diabetes in younger people usually has a greater focus on reducing diabetes-related complications; however nutritional management of this age group is not a ‘one size fits all’ situtation. Older people with diabetes should be considered on an individual basis and their physical and mental status taken into account…click here for complete newsletter
Nutrition Matters March 2009
Nutrition and falls prevention…
Presently, falls are among the most serious preventable injury facing older Australians. The nutritional status of an elderly adult has been shown to be a determining factor in their risk of falling, severity of injuried incurred and recovery time after a fall-related injury. Studies have confirmed that micro- and macro-nutrient deficiencies are associated with increased falls risk due to the many side effects of poor nutritional condition, including muscular strength and impaired mobility…click here for complete newsletter
Nutrition Matters December 2008
I’ll drink to that…
With summer upon us, the importance of ensuring patients and residents are adequately hydrated intensifies as exposure to hot temperatures increases the likelihood of dehydration. An inadequate fluid intake results in dehydration, which can impact on quality of life through increasing the risk of falls, illness, hospitalisation, pressure sore development and urinary tract infections…click here for complete newsletter