5 minute read
It’s never too late to treat an older person
With dementia continuing to be the leading cause of death in Australian women and the second leading cause of death in Australian men**, it’s never been more important to address and prioritise geriatric medical care in the community.
According to Woy Woy based Geriatrician Dr Peter Lipski, supporting the health and wellbeing of older people starts with dispelling myths, negative stereotypes and applying a holistic care approach.
“Normal ageing does not necessarily correlate with declining health, intervention and prevention are perhaps more important than ever when it comes to caring for the elderly,” Dr Lipski said.
“It is critical to diagnose dementia early as this can play a big role in managing the progressive cognitive decline and allows for an early medical management plan.
“Carers can play an integral role in prevention by taking action around any noticeable decline in functionality or capability of their loved ones.
“If someone used to always go to the mail box to fetch their paper of a morning and suddenly is unable to do so, that is not old age, there is something else at play.
“Noticing small signs such as not coping at home, unexpected falls, sudden onset of confusion, or behavioural or personality challenges should be referred to a GP immediately.”
Brisbane Waters Private Hospital provides a comprehensive spectrum of care for elderly members of the community from treatment for complex geriatric conditions or illnesses such as incontinence, multi-organ disease, delirium and dementia through to falls and balance issues.
As there are a lot of supportive treatments options for dementia even though there is no cure, it is important to focus on prevention strategies to reduce
risk of falls and fractures and support general health and wellbeing according to Dr Lipski.
“No one is ever too old for treatment, one of the reasons that Geriatric Medicine is so successful is because there is attention to detail, getting the simple things right and a holistic overview of the whole patient, not such a specific organ approach,” Dr Lipski said.
“Many carers are often afraid to confront their elderly loved ones about their health, but it is important to take action when there is any change rather than waiting for a ‘crisis’ to occur.
“If a GP and Geriatrician can help at the early onset of any functional issues, it can change the long term outcome.”
Find out more about Brisbane Waters Private Hospital and the specialists who provide services at the Hospital via: https://brisbanewatersprivate.com.
au/specialties
Access more around Dr Lipski’s work on providing care for elderly
Australians via his book “Your Elderly Parents Failing Health.”
Your Elderly Parents Failing Health: Is It Ageing Or A Treatable Condition?: Lipski, Dr Peter: Amazon.com.au: Books
**according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics
Leading Geriatric Medical Care on the Peninsula
Experience exceptional care right here on the Coast with our multi-disciplinary Geriatric medical services team. With a focus on: - supporting independence - maintaining wellbeing - an holistic approach to a variety of major geriatric illnesses including:
– Incontinence – Multi-organ disease – Osteoporosis and fractures – Swallowing disorders – Delirium – Dementia – Falls, gait and balance disorders – Rationalising mutliple medications and adverse drug reactions
Meet with our Geriatric Specialist Today
Dr Peter Lipski
Referrals to consulting suites via: Vidler Avenue, Woy Woy Phone: 02 4343 0333 Fax: 4344 2133 21 Vidler Avenue, Woy Woy Phone: 02 4341 9522 www.brisbanewatersprivate.com.au
Personalised service helps Di learn Healthy Habits
A Woy Woy grandmother of five has hailed the support she received from a personal healthy lifestyle coach, offered as part of a free online service on the Central Coast.
70-year-old Dianne Swinnerton signed up for the Healthy and Active for Life Online program to kick-start her into exercising again and to adopt healthy eating habits.
“I hadn’t exercised for years and wanted to get motivated and begin eating healthier,” Dianne said.
“I saw the program offered support over the phone from a personal coach, and I knew that would be the push I needed.”
Healthy and Active for Life Online is a free 10-week program for people aged 60 and above, or 45 and above for people who identify as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander. It aims to support older people to live independently by increasing their knowledge, skills and confidence in how to lead active and healthy lives, while also helping to prevent falls.
As well as a personal telephone coach, participants receive self-paced interactive healthy eating and lifestyle modules, along with exercise videos to do in their home each week. Dianne’s coach was Lisa Buechel, and the two decided to meet in person to reflect on the impact the program has made on them both. “After speaking to Di regularly over the past 10 weeks, it was great to put a face to the voice on the other end of the line,” Lisa said.
“Working with someone over 10 weeks, you really get to know the person and see their progress.
“I like helping people get their health back. I’ve always found if you give people the support, they will succeed.”
Dianne believes the program can benefit many others on the Coast who need the motivation and support from a personal coach.
“It was really beneficial to receive that consistent, one-to-one support. Lisa was so friendly and professional – she really knew her stuff and helped me so much with my confidence. The program has also been great for my mental health too. I came away from each session feeling happy and energised. To anyone thinking about being healthier and signing up for the program, take the courage to turn on the computer and give it a go.”
Healthy and Active for Life Online is an NSW Health state-wide initiative facilitated on the Central Coast by the Local Health District’s Health Promotion Service.
Programs run four times a year. To register, or for more information, visit www. activeandhealthy.nsw.gov.au or contact the Central Coast Health Promotion Service on 4320 9700.
