senior health
Polypharmacy on the rise
The number of Australians aged 70-plus taking at least five medicines a day has crept up to nearly a million – and pharmacists are in a good position to help …
Clinical tips: statins and cholesterol
Just how much benefit is there in giving statins for secondary prevention for those 80 and over? wonders Ben Basger Do you have patients taking statins who have aged into …
Where’s our RTM? asks NSW PSA
PSA has called on the NSW Government to do more to allow pharmacists to improve the state’s health care system – and again, for real time monitoring In welcoming the …
Six ways pharmacists can help
Pharmacists need to be embedded into residential aged care as a matter of urgency, say hospital pharmacists The Society of Hospitals Pharmacists of Australia says that high quality, embedded clinical …
How meds influence falls
New research has shown that older people taking antidepressants or opioids have more than double the risk of a fall and hip fracture compared to those who do not Writing …
Research Roundup
Debbie Rigby rounds up the latest in research news Probiotics to prevent infantile colic A Cochrane review has concluded that there is no clear evidence that probiotics are more effective …
‘People are dying and pharmacies can help.’
Amid surges of flu around the country, the Guild’s Trent Twomey is urging the Queensland Government to lower the age for pharmacist vaccination Meanwhile in South Australia, Professor Paddy Phillips, …
Research Roundup
Debbie Rigby takes a look at the latest in research news… The Role of Pharmacists in General Practice in Asthma Management This pilot study conducted by one pharmacist in a …
Commissioner wants pharmacists involved
Following the commencement of the Royal Commission into Aged Care, one key stakeholder has spoken of “extreme” concern over chemical restraint Aged Care Quality and Safety Commissioner Ms Janet Anderson …
Clinical tips: weight loss in older people
When it’s unintended, weight loss in older people may indicate a significant underlying problem, writes Ben Basger Unintentional weight loss may occur in up to 15-20% of older adults (those …
Research Roundup
Debbie Rigby rounds up the latest in research news Changes in pain intensity after discontinuation of long-term opioid therapy for chronic noncancer pain Pain intensity after discontinuation of long-term opioid …
Pharmacist highlights aged care payment anomaly
A letter to the Minister for Senior Australians and Aged Care prompted a meeting about challenges being faced by pharmacies who provide residential aged care services This month, Webstercare welcomed …