2006

Healthy Ageing Definition

Developing and maintaining functional ability that enables wellbeing in older age

Three Components of Healthy Ageing

Intrinsic capacity, environment, and preference-based strategies to support functional ability

Intrinsic Capacity

Physical, mental and psychosocial abilities of the individual

Functional Ability

Ability to meet needs, maintain relationships, make decisions, learn, grow and remain mobile

Why Preference-Based Strategies Work

More meaningful, achievable, sustainable and likely to be followed

Ageism

Stereotyping, prejudice or discrimination based on age

Examples of Ageism

Assuming older people are frail, incapable, dependent or uninterested in decision-making

Combating Ageism

Use person-centred care, challenge stereotypes, promote strengths and independence

Age-Friendly Communities

Communities designed to support participation, inclusion, mobility and independence

Benefits of Age-Friendly Communities

Improved accessibility, safety, social participation and quality of life for all ages

Intergenerational Programs

Activities that bring older and younger people together

Benefits of Intergenerational Programs

Reduce ageism, improve social connection and enhance wellbeing

Wellness Approach

Focuses on strengths, independence and maintaining function

Reablement

Time-limited interventions that help regain skills and independence

Restorative Care

Interventions aimed at improving function and quality of life

Dependency Approach

Doing tasks for older people rather than supporting independence

Difference Between Reablement and Dependency Care

Reablement builds independence, dependency care encourages reliance on others

Teach-Back Method

Patient repeats information in their own words to confirm understanding

Benefits of Teach-Back

Improves understanding, recall, adherence and safety

Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment (CGA)

Multidisciplinary assessment of medical, functional, psychological and social needs

Multidisciplinary Team in Aged Care

Health professionals working collaboratively to optimise outcomes

Examples of Allied Health Professionals

Physiotherapist, occupational therapist, dietitian, speech pathologist, social worker and pharmacist

My Aged Care

Main entry point to Australian aged care services

Support at Home Program

Community-based support replacing Home Care Packages

Goal of Modern Aged Care Policy

Promote independence, ageing in place and consumer choice

Royal Commission Key Finding

Significant failures in quality, safety and respect within aged care

24/7 RN Requirement

Registered nurse must be on-site at residential aged care facilities at all times

AN-ACC Funding Model

Residential aged care funding based on resident needs and clinical assessment

Normal Cardiovascular Ageing Changes

Reduced arterial elasticity and altered electrical conduction

Normal Respiratory Ageing Changes

Reduced chest wall compliance, weaker respiratory muscles and reduced alveolar surface area

Normal Renal Ageing Changes

Reduced GFR, renal blood flow and creatinine clearance

Normal Neurological Ageing Changes

Fewer neurones, reduced neurotransmitters and slower reflexes

Normal Musculoskeletal Ageing Changes

Reduced muscle mass, strength and bone density

Normal Skin Ageing Changes

Reduced elasticity, sebum production and sensory function

Normal Immune Ageing Changes

Reduced immune response and increased infection risk

Where Most Older Australians Live

In the community

Percentage of Older Australians Living in the Community

Over 90%

Accelerated Ageing in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples

Chronic disease often develops 10–15 years earlier than in non-Indigenous Australians

Acute Wound

Progresses through healing in expected timeframe

Chronic Wound

Fails to progress through normal healing process

Arterial Ulcer Characteristics

Painful, punched-out appearance, poor circulation and minimal exudate

Venous Ulcer Characteristics

Irregular shape, oedema and moderate-high exudate

Five Stages of Wound Healing

Haemostasis, inflammation, proliferation, epithelialisation and maturation

Haemostasis Stage

Immediate clot formation to stop bleeding

Inflammation Stage

Removal of debris and prevention of infection

Proliferation Stage

Formation of granulation tissue and new blood vessels

Epithelialisation Stage

New skin cells cover the wound surface

Maturation Stage

Scar tissue remodels and strengthens

Factors Delaying Wound Healing

Infection, poor nutrition, diabetes, smoking and poor circulation

Characteristics of an Ideal Dressing

Maintains moisture, protects tissue, absorbs exudate and prevents infection

COPD Definition

Progressive airflow limitation that is not fully reversible

COPD Risk Factors

Smoking, occupational exposure, air pollution and genetics

COPD Signs and Symptoms

Dyspnoea, chronic cough, sputum production and reduced exercise tolerance

Modifiable COPD Risk Factors

Smoking, air pollution and occupational exposures

Non-Modifiable COPD Risk Factors

Age and genetic factors

Respiratory Assessment IPPA

Inspection, palpation, percussion and auscultation

COPD Nursing Management

Monitor respiratory status, optimise oxygen, medications and education

COPD Patient Education

Smoking cessation, inhaler use, vaccinations and exercise

Peak Flow Measurement Purpose

Assesses airflow obstruction and respiratory status

Asthma Action Plan

Individualised guide for recognising and managing worsening symptoms

Dementia Definition

Progressive decline in cognition affecting daily function

Delirium Definition

Acute fluctuating disturbance in attention and cognition

Depression Definition

Persistent low mood affecting function and wellbeing

Dementia vs Delirium

Dementia is gradual and chronic, delirium is sudden and acute

Key Feature of Delirium

Fluctuating consciousness and attention

Early Dementia Stage

Mild memory problems with largely independent function

Middle Dementia Stage

Increasing confusion, dependence and behavioural changes

Late Dementia Stage

Severe cognitive impairment and extensive care needs

Dementia Behaviour Principle

Behaviour is usually a form of communication of an unmet need

Non-Pharmacological Dementia Strategies

Validation, routine, meaningful activities and environmental modification

Dementia-Friendly Environment

Safe, familiar, calm and easy to navigate

Communication With Dementia

Speak slowly, use simple language and allow time to respond

Key Principle of Dementia Care

Focus on the person's remaining abilities rather than deficits

Parkinson's Disease Cause

Loss of dopamine-producing neurones

Motor Symptoms of Parkinson's Disease

Tremor, rigidity, bradykinesia and postural instability

Non-Motor Symptoms of Parkinson's Disease

Depression, constipation, fatigue, sleep disturbance and cognitive changes

On-Off Phenomenon

Fluctuation between effective symptom control and return of symptoms

Cause of On-Off Phenomenon

Changing response to levodopa due to disease progression

Physical Impacts of Parkinson's Disease

Falls, reduced mobility, swallowing difficulties and fatigue

Psychological Impacts of Parkinson's Disease

Anxiety, depression and reduced confidence

Social Impacts of Parkinson's Disease

Isolation, dependence and carer burden

Nursing Priorities in Parkinson's Disease

Falls prevention, medication timing and mobility support

Key Allied Health Supports for Parkinson's Disease

Physiotherapy, occupational therapy, speech pathology and dietetics

Parkinson's Disease Carer Education

Medication adherence, safety and support services

Modifiable Cardiovascular Risk Factors

Smoking, obesity, inactivity, hypertension and diabetes

Non-Modifiable Cardiovascular Risk Factors

Age, sex and family history

Myocardial Infarction (MI) Definition

Death of heart muscle due to prolonged lack of blood flow

Signs and Symptoms of MI

Chest pain, diaphoresis, nausea and shortness of breath

Initial Nursing Management of MI

Assess, monitor, escalate and follow emergency protocols

Cardiac Arrest Definition

Sudden cessation of effective cardiac activity

Difference Between MI and Cardiac Arrest

MI is blocked blood flow, cardiac arrest is loss of cardiac output

When to Escalate Cardiovascular Deterioration

Significant changes in observations, chest pain, reduced consciousness or clinical status

Stroke Definition

Interruption of blood flow to part of the brain causing neurological deficits

Common Stroke Signs

Facial droop, arm weakness and speech difficulty

FAST Assessment

Face, Arms, Speech, Time

Stroke Nursing Priorities

Neurological monitoring, airway protection, aspiration prevention and escalation

Common Stroke Complications

Dysphagia, immobility, aspiration and pressure injuries

Malnutrition Definition

Deficiency of energy, protein or nutrients affecting health and function

Consequences of Malnutrition

Frailty, falls, infection, delayed healing and hospitalisation

Common Causes of Malnutrition

Poor appetite, illness, dysphagia and social isolation