Risk Stratification Of Older People In Hospital: Validation And Influence On Clinical Decision Making
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$291,067.00
Summary
Older people in hospital are at high risk of adverse outcomes, a vulnerability commonly referred to as frailty. In community-dwelling older people, frailty status can be measured precisely with a Frailty Index score. This research aims to develop a Frailty Index from a standardised comprehensive geriatric assessment instrument used in the routine care of many patients in hospital. This would assist clinicians to identify vulnerable older inpatients, improving their care in the acute setting.
Validation Of A Competency Assessment Method For Persons With Dementia
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$580,451.00
Summary
Deciding what if any aspects of their financial affairs a person with dementia or suspected dementia can responsibly manage is a difficult process for health and legal professionals as well as for guardianship boards and tribunals. This process is often stressful for the older person, and families can find deciding when to “take over” stressful. Also, having family members manage the older person’s assets may result in family conflict. There is a small amount of overseas research examining this ....Deciding what if any aspects of their financial affairs a person with dementia or suspected dementia can responsibly manage is a difficult process for health and legal professionals as well as for guardianship boards and tribunals. This process is often stressful for the older person, and families can find deciding when to “take over” stressful. Also, having family members manage the older person’s assets may result in family conflict. There is a small amount of overseas research examining this issue. However, no comprehensive and validated method exists internationally or in Australia to determine competency in this context. We will test a methodology for assessing the capacity of individuals to manage their own financial affairs where dementia is an issue. This method involves the use of a number of reliable and well-validated instruments measuring the older person’s mental state, anxiety levels, depression, and social vulnerability combined with an interview exploring the personal circumstances of the older adult in relation to their financial affairs. We will work with the Office of the Adult Guardian in Queensland to recruit participants and to verify both the utility and usability of our methodology with stakeholders (e.g. solicitors, the Office of the Adult Guardian). A comparison will be made between the results obtained in approximately 200 financial competency cases with the competency opinions independently arrived at by the Office of the Adult Guardian in Queensland. As a result of this research, we will be able to ascertain the viability and utility of this assessment method, improve the method as per the data gathered, and ultimately seek future funding to trial the methods across multiple jurisdictions (e.g. other states) and contexts (e.g. various cultural contexts).Read moreRead less
Is Integrated Geriatric Care Effective In Older Adults With Metastatic Cancer Receiving First Line Chemotherapy?
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$119,538.00
Summary
INTEGERATE looks at a coordinated program called integrated geriatric care to better support older people who are having chemotherapy for cancer which has spread (metastatic cancer). Doctors often treat metastatic cancer with chemotherapy. But older people are more vulnerable to problems from chemotherapy and cancer due to other health problems, trouble with doing things and their social circumstances. The researchers want to learn whether integrated geriatric care helps older people having chem ....INTEGERATE looks at a coordinated program called integrated geriatric care to better support older people who are having chemotherapy for cancer which has spread (metastatic cancer). Doctors often treat metastatic cancer with chemotherapy. But older people are more vulnerable to problems from chemotherapy and cancer due to other health problems, trouble with doing things and their social circumstances. The researchers want to learn whether integrated geriatric care helps older people having chemotherapy for metastatic cancer.Read moreRead less
A Best Practice Oral Health Model For Australian Residential Care
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$58,900.00
Summary
Carers are essential to the delivery of oral hygiene care and maintenance of residents’ oral health in residential care faclities. This research will investigate the role that carers can play to maintain adequate oral health for residents, and improving their timely referral and access to dental professionals. It will also assist with the development of appropriate policies and procedures for oral and dental care, in accordance with Commonwealth Residential Aged Care Standards
Is Hip Fracture Rehabilitation Cost Effective In Residential Care? A Randomised Controlled Trial Of Rehabilitation
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$137,970.00
Summary
Some of the frailest members of our community live in nursing homes and a hip fracture can be devastating to a person with dementia as it can leave them permanently unable to walk. We don't know how best to promote recovery when they break their hips. At present there is an assumption that rehabilitation at this stage of life is not worthwhile but this study will test whether the benefits outweigh the costs. We will test whether an assessment by a geriatrician and rehabilitation improves walking ....Some of the frailest members of our community live in nursing homes and a hip fracture can be devastating to a person with dementia as it can leave them permanently unable to walk. We don't know how best to promote recovery when they break their hips. At present there is an assumption that rehabilitation at this stage of life is not worthwhile but this study will test whether the benefits outweigh the costs. We will test whether an assessment by a geriatrician and rehabilitation improves walking, independence and quality of life.Read moreRead less
Completion Of A Study To Determine If Vitamin D Supplementation Prevents Fractures In Older Women In Residential Care
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$140,285.00
Summary
Vitamin D deficiency is a common and easily reversible nutritional problem in older people in residential care. Publication of benefits from vitamin D and calcium supplementation in older women in residential care in France has made the evaluation of population based interventions in Australia a priority. The French study demonstrated substantial reductions in the incidence of hip fractures, the most serious of osteoporotic fractures in terms of morbidity, mortality and financial costs. As yet, ....Vitamin D deficiency is a common and easily reversible nutritional problem in older people in residential care. Publication of benefits from vitamin D and calcium supplementation in older women in residential care in France has made the evaluation of population based interventions in Australia a priority. The French study demonstrated substantial reductions in the incidence of hip fractures, the most serious of osteoporotic fractures in terms of morbidity, mortality and financial costs. As yet, there are no data to inform rational policy in the Australian context, where 10% of women over the age of 70 reside in residential care and where the availability of sunlight and differing diets may alter the effects seen with vitamin D supplementation. Also, we do not understand the mechanism by which this effect occurs, either by strengthening bone or decreasing the rates of falls. Our general aim is to evaluate a simple, cost effective and immediately available intervention, vitamin D supplementation, in the prevention of osteoporotic fractures, especially hip fracture. The specific targeted population will be the high risk population of elderly female nursing home and hostel residents. This study will address whether it is justified to treat all women in these settings with vitamin D supplementation or alternatively to screen and supplement those women with demonstrable vitamin D deficiency.Read moreRead less