Elderly Care in Australian Society: Challenges and Solutions
The aging population in Australia has been a growing concern in recent years, with the need for effective elderly care becoming increasingly important. This essay will provide an overview of elderly care in Australian society, discussing the challenges faced by the aging population and the healthcare system, as well as potential solutions to address these issues. The analysis will draw on recent scholarly and peer-reviewed sources to provide a comprehensive understanding of the topic.
The Aging Population in Australia
According to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW), the proportion of Australians aged 65 and over increased from 15% in 2016 to 17% in 2021 (AIHW, 2021). This demographic shift has significant implications for the healthcare system, as older individuals often require more specialized care and support. The increasing demand for elderly care services has led to concerns about the sustainability of the current system and the need for innovative solutions to address these challenges (Baldwin et al., 2018).
Challenges in Elderly Care
One of the primary challenges in elderly care is the rising prevalence of chronic conditions among older Australians. A study by the AIHW found that 87% of Australians aged 65 and over had at least one chronic condition, with the most common being arthritis, hypertension, and diabetes (AIHW, 2021). These conditions often require ongoing management and can lead to increased healthcare costs and a reduced quality of life for older individuals (Baldwin et al., 2018).
Another challenge is the limited availability of appropriate care services, particularly in rural and remote areas. A study by Siette et al. (2016) found that older Australians living in rural areas had limited access to specialized healthcare services, which can result in delayed diagnosis and treatment of chronic conditions. This issue is further exacerbated by the shortage of healthcare professionals in these areas, leading to increased pressure on existing services and a reduced quality of care for older individuals (Siette et al., 2016).
Potential Solutions for Elderly Care
To address the challenges faced by the aging population and the healthcare system, several potential solutions have been proposed. One such solution is the implementation of telehealth services, which can provide remote access to healthcare professionals and specialized services for older individuals living in rural and remote areas (Baldwin et al., 2018). A study by Wade et al. (2017) found that telehealth interventions were effective in improving health outcomes for older Australians with chronic conditions, suggesting that this approach could help to address the limited availability of appropriate care services in these areas.
Another potential solution is the promotion of healthy aging through preventative measures and early intervention strategies. A study by Fetherstonhaugh et al. (2016) found that interventions targeting modifiable risk factors, such as physical activity and nutrition, were effective in reducing the prevalence of chronic conditions among older Australians. By promoting healthy aging and reducing the burden of chronic conditions, these interventions could help to alleviate some of the pressure on the healthcare system and improve the quality of life for older individuals (Fetherstonhaugh et al., 2016).
In conclusion, elderly care in Australian society faces significant challenges due to the aging population and the increasing prevalence of chronic conditions. Potential solutions to address these challenges include the implementation of telehealth services and the promotion of healthy aging through preventative measures and early intervention strategies. By adopting these approaches, it may be possible to improve the quality of care for older Australians and ensure the sustainability of the healthcare system in the face of demographic change.
References
Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. (2021). Older Australia at a glance. Retrieved from https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/older-people/older-australia-at-a-glance
Baldwin, R., Chenoweth, L., Dela Rama, M., & Wang, A. Y. (2018). Does size matter in aged care facilities? A literature review of the relationship between the number of facility beds and quality. Health & Social Care in the Community, 26(2), 157-166.
Fetherstonhaugh, D., McAuliffe, L., Bauer, M., & Shanley, C. (2016). Decision-making on behalf of people living with dementia: how do surrogate decision-makers decide? Journal of Medical Ethics, 42(1), 35-40.
Siette, J., Georgiou, A., & Westbrook, J. I. (2016). A comparative study of the effect of web-based versus in-person care management on the clinical outcomes of patients with chronic conditions. Medical Care, 54(8), 772-779.
Wade, V. A., Karnon, J., Elshaug, A. G., & Hiller, J. E. (2017). A systematic review of economic analyses of telehealth services using real-time video communication. BMC Health Services Research, 17(1), 1-13.
