Organizational Change And Treatment Of Depression And Dementia In Aged Care Facilities
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$567,052.00
Summary
Mental health disorders are common in aged care settings. However, these problems are not well managed. This situation results in distress for residents and family members, as well as high levels of burnout and turnover among staff. This project will address the organizational barriers with the aim of better managing and treating depression and behavioural problems associated with dementia.
Little evidence supports interventions to improve mobility outcomes in frail older adults hospitalised for movement rehabilitation. This large randomised controlled trial investigates whether increasing the amount of physical activity during inpatient rehabilitation improves mobility and is cost effective. Frail older Australians are very high users of health services. This study will provide evidence for intensive physical therapy that is easily delivered, with significant benefits to older adu ....Little evidence supports interventions to improve mobility outcomes in frail older adults hospitalised for movement rehabilitation. This large randomised controlled trial investigates whether increasing the amount of physical activity during inpatient rehabilitation improves mobility and is cost effective. Frail older Australians are very high users of health services. This study will provide evidence for intensive physical therapy that is easily delivered, with significant benefits to older adults and the aged care health system.Read moreRead less
A Cluster RCT Of A Novel Psychological Intervention To Reduce Depression Among At-risk Older Adults Transitioning To Residential Aged Care
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$893,152.00
Summary
Depression is common in aged care facilities, with many older adults finding the transition extremely difficult. We have developed a simple intervention to help new residents, including those with dementia, to adjust to life in aged care. This program focuses on key aspects of psychological wellbeing, and is designed for widespread use in aged care. We will evaluate the intervention to determine if it is superior to current care approaches in reducing depression and improving quality of life.
CareTrack Aged: Appropriate Care Delivered To Australians Living In Residential Aged Care
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,157,722.00
Summary
Given Australia’s rapidly ageing population, keeping up with future demands and maintaining quality of care in residential aged care facilities (RACF) is vital. This study will assess whether care delivered is consistent with the evidence in 15 conditions that are frequently managed in RACFs. These will include delirium, dementia, depression, pain management and medication management. We will also assess the quality of life of residents in RACFs.
Predictors Of Home Telehealth Adoption In The Aging Population: Consumer Perspectives
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$325,255.00
Summary
Care of the aging population will place a huge burden on the Australian healthcare system. It is now possible for health services to be provided across the Internet (telehealth) into the aged person’s home. The problem is there has been a slow uptake of telehealth services. What is needed is a clear understanding of aged consumers’ perspectives on telehealth and why they would engage in such services. These findings will assist in planning health care services for the aged into the future.
A Randomised Controlled Trial To Improve Depression In Family Carers Through A Physical Activity Intervention
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$727,745.00
Summary
This RCT of a physical activity intervention for carers and care recipients aims to determine whether physical activity (designed for carer and care recipient to do together) can reduce depression in older carers. The intervention includes a physiotherapist assessment, Otago and Otago-Plus exercise programs in carer/care recipient’s home over six-months. An economic evaluation will be undertaken. If successful, the intervention could be broadly applied within the carer support service system.
Use Of Emergency Departments By Vulnerable Groups During Their Last Year Of Life
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Summary
Vulnerable people in their last year of life who attend Emergency Departments (EDs) could often be better cared for elsewhere. Our severely overcrowded EDs, and the staff who work in them, are poorly equipped to provide appropriate end-of-life care. This research describes how these groups use the ED, the impact of this use upon ED services and how the provision of adequate community care may be a more appropriate and economically viable option for people at the end-of-life.
Affordable Technology To Improve Physical Activity Levels And Mobility Outcomes In Rehabilitation
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,465,653.00
Summary
Repetitive exercise is a crucial part of rehabilitation for people with impaired mobility but current exercise levels are insufficient for optimal outcomes. Affordable exercise-based video- and computer game technology could enable additional exercise for rehabilitation patients at a relatively low cost. We propose a randomised trial to establish the impact on physical activity and mobility of the addition of these technologies to usual care for people admitted to rehabilitation wards.
Reducing Demand On Emergency Departments In The Last Year Of Life
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$371,049.00
Summary
People in their last year of life who attend emergency departments (EDs) could often be better cared for elsewhere. Our severely overcrowded EDs, and the staff who work in them, are poorly equipped to provide appropriate end-of-life care. This research describes how people in their last year of life use EDs, the impact of this use upon ED services and how the provision of adequate primary care and supportive care services in the community care may be a more appropriate and economically viable op ....People in their last year of life who attend emergency departments (EDs) could often be better cared for elsewhere. Our severely overcrowded EDs, and the staff who work in them, are poorly equipped to provide appropriate end-of-life care. This research describes how people in their last year of life use EDs, the impact of this use upon ED services and how the provision of adequate primary care and supportive care services in the community care may be a more appropriate and economically viable option for people at the end-of-life.Read moreRead less
The Increasing Burden Of Stroke With Ageing: Using CARAT To Optimise Preventative Treatment In The Community
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$709,036.00
Summary
This clinical trial will test whether a novel clinical tool can assist GPs in improving the prevention of stroke in the community, especially in older people and those with atrial fibrillation (an irregular heartbeat). This tool, called CARAT (Computerised Antithrombotic Risk Assessment Tool), has been developed to help GPs calculate a patient's risk of stroke and then identify the optimal preventative medicine. Selecting appropriate therapy is important to prevent stroke and avoid side-effects.