Dec 19, 2019

Aged care minister issues high-temperature warning for elderly

The Minister for Aged Care, Richard Colbeck, is urging Australians to look out for the elderly and vulnerable as hot weather sweeps across the nation in the lead up to Christmas.

The increase in temperatures, expected to be widely felt across most States and Territories from today, has earlier prompted a Department of Health notice to the age care sector, urging providers to be prepared.

Minister for Aged Care Richard Colbeck said while it was important for people of all ages to follow advice and stay safe, it was vital the needs of the elderly remained a priority.  

“It’s really important for people to stay hydrated, keep cool and look after one another – particularly vulnerable members of the community like children and the elderly,” Minister Colbeck said.

“If you have an elderly neighbour or somebody you know who may need help in the trying conditions, pay them a visit and make sure they are OK.”

Aged care management were key to ensuring the welfare of staff and recipients as conditions heat up, Minister Colbeck said.  

“Providers should stay informed of current activity by monitoring local media and regularly checking for updates on the Bureau of Meteorology website and through their own state emergency agencies.”

Signs of heat stress include muscle cramps, pallor, dizziness, headache, nausea, increased heart rate, fainting, excessive sweating or no sweating with high temperature and hot, dry skin.

People who experience severe symptoms such as these should seek urgent medical advice. In an emergency please ring 000 (Triple 0).

The department has specific resources outlining the precautions aged care providers should take. These are available online:

Australians in affected regions can limit their risk of heat-related illness by drinking more water, limiting exposure to the sun, stocking up on food and medicines, having a plan and know to call for help.

 

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

$5 billion for the aged care sector – but is it enough?

  Older Australians have been significant beneficiaries of the 2018 Federal budget. But will the additional funding be enough? We take a look at what the industry is saying. Key aged care measures in the 2018 Federal Budget $1.6 billion for 14,000 new high level home care packages to provide some relief for the 105,000-strong waiting... Read More

Mistreatment results in malnutrition: the faceless abuser in aged care

Appearing before the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety, DAA CEO Robert Hunt and Sharon Lawrence APD called for nutrition to be elevated within all aspects of aged care to help reduce the devastating impact of malnutrition, which is currently prevalent in approximately 58% of older Australians. Speaking in Cairns, DAA provided evidence... Read More

Death with Dignity: South Australia euthanasia bill defeated by one vote

The Bill to legalise voluntary euthanasia in South Australia has been overturned by a single vote. Members of Parliament began a marathon debate on Wednesday, November 16 with the vote for the Death with Dignity Bill being finally held at around 4am. The MPs were given a conscience vote and were evenly divided at 23... Read More
Advertisement