A new framework has been established to improve the treatment of dementia patients in aged care facilities across Australia. Researchers from the University of Queensland developed these guidelines after extensive consultation with stakeholders, including health care professionals, aged care providers, and individuals experiencing dementia.
According to Professor Tracy Comans from the university’s Centre for Health Services Research, approximately 50 per cent of individuals living in residential aged care facilities in Australia have some form of dementia. Despite this significant statistic, there is a notable lack of data related to four critical areas of dementia care: dignity, pain management, hygiene, and engagement in meaningful activities.
“We are not measuring the aspects that matter most to those living with dementia and their caregivers,” Professor Comans remarked. The newly developed recommendations aim to establish metrics that will help evaluate the quality of care provided to individuals with dementia.
One of the main challenges highlighted by Professor Comans is the interruption in continuity of care, often exacerbated by high staff turnover in the aged care sector. Many staff members lack the necessary training to address the complex needs of dementia patients, which can lead to communication breakdowns and inadequate care. “Staff often do not have time to get to know the person with dementia before they become ill,” she explained.
Furthermore, individuals with dementia frequently receive insufficient pain management because they are unable to articulate their discomfort effectively. Professor Comans noted, “People with dementia are often prescribed significantly less pain medication than those without dementia, which can lead to additional behavioral issues.”
The guidelines are intended to assist in shaping policy and encouraging aged care providers to reassess their current practices. This initiative comes in light of data from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, which identified dementia as the leading cause of death in Australia. In 2023, one in ten Australians died from a dementia-related condition, with the most prevalent types being Alzheimer’s disease, vascular dementia, frontotemporal dementia, and Lewy body dementia. Notably, dementia is the leading cause of death among women in Australia and ranks as the second leading cause for men, following heart disease.
While dementia is not an inevitable consequence of aging, the risk of developing the condition increases with age. With an ageing population, projections suggest that more than one million Australians will be living with dementia by 2065.
The establishment of these guidelines represents a crucial step towards enhancing the quality of care for individuals experiencing dementia, aiming to provide them with the respect and understanding they deserve. As the aged care sector grapples with these challenges, the insights gained from this research could pave the way for improved patient outcomes and a more compassionate approach to dementia care.
