Aged

As people age the diseases that they die from change. Older people die from diseases such as heart disease, cerebrovascular disease (including stroke), respiratory disease and cancer. They may also suffer from multiple diseases or conditions that contribute to illness and eventual death.

Older people are more likely to have complex needs than younger people. Partnerships between themselves and the health professionals who care for them may help in providing comprehensive care. For example, there could be liaison between geriatric and palliative care services.

As Australia's population ages, there is a decline in the number of younger people who are available to help provide care. The way that families live and work has changed, with many moving away from where they grew up. Family members may be geographically separated. For many older people, care and support at home may be provided by an elderly spouse.

There a number of things that may need to be discussed relating to care. In particular older people are:

More likely to have multiple medical problems, that may lead to a greater need for care
At greater risk of adverse reactions from the medicines they take
At greater risk of minor problems having more of a psychological impact
At greater risk that illness may come on top of existing physical and mental issues, social isolation and financial difficulties.

Resources

Elderly people and pain: An information booklet
Wide Bay Division of General Practice Association Incorporated. 2004
This booklet has been written especially for older people, their families and carers, to provide an overview of modern approaches to pain management.
Carer Resource Centres
Provide carers with information and advice about their caring role and about relevant carer services and entitlements. Carer Resource Centres can be contacted free of charge from anywhere in the country on 1800 242 636.

Websites

Seniors website Webpage with resources for Australians over 50. It provides Government and non-Government information and services for older Australians.
Carers Australia Provides information about what support services are available for carers and how to access them.
Aged Care Australia Provides the community with access to government and non-government information and services about aged care.

This page was created on 15 May 2008 and is due for review in May 2010