Christmas is Just Around the Corner
Program tackles ‘risky drinking’ among oldies AN “alarming increase” in alcohol and other drug-related problems by elderly residents is being tackled by healthcare professionals in what’s billed as an Australian first. Peninsula Health’s Alcohol and Other Drug Services Program manager Stephen Bright will present the guide at a conference, Thursday. “When we think about who experiences harm caused by alcohol, most people think about young people,” Dr Bright said. “However, data shows the rate of risky drinking among young people has been decreasing, while risky drinking among older adults has been increasing. “There is a similar trend with regard to the consumption of cannabis. This is very concerning.” Dr Bright says “false assumptions” lead to older residents feeling they can’t ask for help. “Older adults are less likely to engage with traditional treatment services,” he said. “They may perceive such services to be for younger people, or lacking mobility access or an appropriate ambience. Overseas, numerous services have been developed specifically for older adults.” Dr Bright said Peninsula Health’s Older Wiser Lifestyles (OWL) – an older-adult-specific treatment service – provided early intervention through community development and age-specific treatment services. Failing to tackle this growing issue now will have a major impact on future healthcare costs – especially given the rapidly ageing population, he said. OWL team leader Katherine Walsh said: “Older adults represent a growing population who are experiencing a range of AOD-related harms that are often very specific to this population. “For example, they often take medications that adversely interact with alcohol, or have medical co-morbidities (more than one illness) that are
Burdetts has your Christmas gift list covered! • Christmas Figurines • Ornaments • Christmas Cards • Soft Toys • Collectables
Come and enjoy a coffee and cake in our beautiful
No false assumptions: Peninsula Health’s Older Wiser Lifestyles team leader Katherine Walsh with a patient.
exacerbated by alcohol, yet healthcare practitioners often do not ask them about their use of alcohol or drugs based on false assumptions. “Not asking about drug use and drinking patterns and levels can result in healthcare professionals treating what they believe to be the symptoms of a medical problem, when, in fact, the symptoms are actually related to the use of alcohol or other drugs.” Peninsula Health partnered with Flinders University to develop the first ever Australian guide for healthcare professionals. Call 9784 8109 or see olderwiseraod.net
• Wall Prints • Plants • Statues • Hanging Baskets • Plus Lots More
CHRISTMAS TREES NOW AVAILABLE. Assorted Sizes COFFEE SHOP Present this ad for 5-6ft + 6-7ft 5% off your purchase $49.95ea (Excludes concrete, min spend $20)
Burdetts HOUSE & GARDEN SUPPLIES
615 McClelland Drive, Langwarrin Ph 9789 8266 Fax 9789 8810
www.burdetts.com.au OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK
UP TO
50% OFF STOREWIDE
+!,-& ,4 $ O TYSON
ASHTON
PORTO
KENT
NELSON
designer chair in noosa blue fabric
3 seater sofa in downtown mink fabric
big drawer buffet in clear lacquer / multi
sofa bed in quavos fabric
140w console in washed oak
WAS
$949
$759
NOW
WAS
$2399
$1799
NOW
WAS NOW
$2249
$1799
WAS SUPER SAVER
$1749
$1299
WAS
$999
$799
NOW
www.ozdesignfurniture.com.au Christmas sale (with up to 50% off storewide) available on all new orders of furniture and homewares from 1-12-2015 till 24-12-2015 inclusive. Minimum discount of 20% applicable up to 50% off on selected floor and clearance stock. Not to be used in conjunction with any other offer including Super Savers.
OZ DESIGN FURNITURE MORNINGTON PH: 8560 1137, SHOWROOM D4, PENINSULA HOME, 1128-1132 NEPEAN HIGHWAY VIC LOCATIONS: BENDIGO 8692 2589, NEW STORE! ESSENDON 8560 1130, GEELONG 8560 1124, HOPPERS CROSSING 8560 1141, MORNINGTON 8560 1137, NORTHLAND 9471 0244, NUNAWADING 9894 1566, RICHMOND 8560 1120 Frankston Times 30 November 2015
PAGE 9