Older People's Health

What is an Acutely Disturbed Adult or Older Person? An adult may appear mentally unwell or unstable if their thoughts or behaviour are not normal. This can happen if they are affected by alcohol or drugs, experiencing psychosis, or confused due to a medical condition called delirium.   Delirium is...

What is it? Before entering residential aged care it is important for your GP to look at in home support options and treatments that may help you. Aged care homes have to provide all the care and services required to meet your needs. This includes supporting your health, wellbeing, social...

What is inflammatory arthritis? Inflammatory arthritis causes sore and stiff joints, especially in the morning. The pain lasts more than 30 minutes but usually feels better when you move. It can be worse at night.

What is an older person's health assessment? If you are over the age of 70 years old, you should have regular health checks. There are some health screening tests you can do to help manage and prevent health conditions that are more common at this age. These include: an osteoporosis risk...

What is Osteoarthritis (OA) Osteoarthritis (OA) is a joint disease that usually happens as people get older. It often affects the hands, feet, lower back, neck, hips, and knees.

What is poisoning and drug overdose? Drug overdoses and poisonings are common reasons people are taken to hospital. An overdose happens when someone takes too much of a drug, poison, or a mix of these. This can cause harmful, toxic effects on the body. Symptoms may appear quickly, but sometimes...

What is Polymyalgia Rheumatica? Polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) is a condition that causes pain and stiffness in older people. It usually affects the neck, shoulders, and hips. 

What is shingles? Shingles is an infection. It is caused by the same virus that causes chickenpox. Shingles is most common in people over 50 years. You can't get shingles if you haven't had chickenpox.