Category: Uncategorized

Medicare is introducing a revamped system to encourage General Practitioners (GPs) to prioritise the bulk billing of vulnerable patients, signalling a financial boost for healthcare providers. These changes, set to take effect starting this Wednesday, involve a substantial increase in incentives for GPs who offer bulk billing services to pensioners, concession card holders, and children. This strategic move was previously unveiled in the federal budget, responding to a concerning decline in the rates of bulk billing.

Under the revised scheme, GPs practicing in urban areas will receive an additional $20.65 bonus per eligible patient, while their counterparts in regional areas will benefit from an almost $40 bonus. Health Minister Mark Butler emphasised that these augmentations are in direct response to calls from the medical community.

Mark Butler stated, “It’s a significant boost in confidence and funding for a sector that I believe is currently facing one of the most challenging periods in its 40-year history under Medicare. Many clinics have pledged to return to bulk billing, and those contemplating a change are now more likely to continue offering bulk billing to the more than 11 million Australians who rely on this service.”

The anticipated cost of these new incentives over the next five years is estimated at $3.5 billion. Health Minister Butler clarified that the bulk billing incentives are a part of a comprehensive $6 billion package aimed at fortifying the healthcare sector, including enhancements to the Medicare rebate.

The President of the Australian Medical Association, Steve Robson, acknowledged the significance of these incentives in providing substantial cost of living relief. He stressed that this substantial investment marks the starting point for bolstering the sustainability of general practice in Australia, emphasizing the need for continued collaboration with the government to develop new programs and initiatives that ensure affordable and accessible GP-led care for all patients.

Get in touch for any in-home aged care support inquiries or to book a free consultation!

http://www.gihc.com.au/
1300 912 155, (03) 9863 6149
info@gihc.com.au⁠ 

National Breast Cancer Awareness Month is observed every October, shedding light on the crucial aspects of breast cancer care. By extension, we invite you to be a part of a movement that extends beyond awareness, urging people to take action, support one another, and offer immediate help to women in need.

Unfortunately, not all women facing breast cancer have equal access to essential care and resources. Given that one in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime, it’s imperative that we seek improved solutions. As a top-rated charity, your donation to the National Breast Cancer Foundation (NBCF) directly benefits women in need, providing them with support, resources, and hope.

For additional information and opportunities to get involved, please visit https://www.nationalbreastcancer.org/breast-cancer-awareness-month/.

Get in touch for any in-home aged care support inquiries or to book a free consultation!

http://www.gihc.com.au/
1300 912 155, (03) 9863 6149
info@gihc.com.au⁠ 

Self-management allows seniors more flexibility with the services they choose to receive with their home care package.

Seniors can organise their own contractors, support staff, Allied Health professionals, and aging related purchases.

The lower fees leave seniors with more funding that can be spent on more support services or aging related purchases.

Self-managed Packages are available for as little as 15% of seniors’ Home Care Package.

Learn more about our Self-managed and fully managed packages here.

Get in touch for any in-home aged care support inquiries or to book a free consultation!

http://www.gihc.com.au/
1300 912 155, (03) 9863 6149
info@gihc.com.au⁠ 

World Osteoporosis Day 

Tomorrow is a day of global importance as it marks World Osteoporosis Day. The significance lies in the troubling statistics: one in three women and one in five men aged 50 and older will experience an osteoporotic fracture in their lifetime. The root of this issue is osteoporosis, a condition that renders bones brittle and fragile, causing them to break from seemingly minor incidents like a stumble, a bump, a sneeze, or a sudden movement. These fractures, stemming from osteoporosis, have serious consequences, including life-threatening outcomes and enduring pain and disability.

Preventing Osteoporosis and Fractures

Preventing osteoporosis and its associated fractures is possible, but it requires early action. These fractures have a far-reaching impact on people globally, placing significant socio-economic burdens on society and healthcare systems. Despite the presence of effective medical treatments to reduce fractures, only a minority of individuals, both men and women, receive the necessary care.

In fact, only 20% of individuals with osteoporotic fractures are accurately diagnosed and treated for the underlying disease, osteoporosis. An alarming example from 2010 in Europe underscores this concern when 12.3 million individuals at high risk for osteoporotic fractures remained untreated.

Taking Action for Prevention

So, what can you do to protect your bone health and reduce the risk of fractures?

1. Exercise: Incorporate regular exercise into your routine to keep your bones and muscles active. Focus on weight-bearing, muscle-strengthening, and balance-enhancing exercises.
2. Nutrition: Maintain a diet rich in bone-healthy nutrients, such as calcium, vitamin D, and protein. Safe exposure to sunlight can help ensure adequate vitamin D levels.
3. Risk Factors: Identify and discuss any risk factors you may have with your healthcare provider. Pay special attention if you’ve had prior fractures, have a family history of osteoporosis, or are taking medications that impact bone health.
4. Testing & Treatment: Get tested and seek treatment if necessary. If you fall into the high-risk category, you’ll likely require medication and lifestyle adjustments to protect yourself against fractures.

Osteoporosis Risk Check

Discover if you have common risk factors by using the Osteoporosis Risk Check at https://riskcheck.osteoporosis.foundation/.

If you’re over 50 and have one or more risk factors, it’s advisable to discuss these with your physician and request an evaluation of your bone health status. Lifestyle changes may be recommended, and for those at high risk, medication may be prescribed to offer optimal protection against fractures. Your proactive steps can make a significant difference in preventing the devastating consequences of osteoporosis.

Get in touch for any in-home aged care support inquiries or to book a free consultation!

http://www.gihc.com.au/
1300 912 155, (03) 9863 6149
info@gihc.com.au⁠ 

National Carers Week serves as a platform for fostering community-wide awareness to acknowledge, celebrate, and promote understanding of the 2.65 million compassionate Australians who provide unwavering care and support to their family members or friends.

Carers are individuals who selflessly offer unpaid care and assistance to their family members and friends coping with disabilities, mental health challenges, chronic illnesses, terminal conditions, substance use issues, or advanced age-related frailty. Importantly, anyone can take on the role of a caregiver at any point in their life.

The carers week website offers tips to support carers, and others support services and resources available to carers, as well as more information about National Carers Week. For more information go to: https://carersweek.com.au/

Get in touch for any in-home aged care support inquiries or to book a free consultation!

http://www.gihc.com.au/
1300 912 155, (03) 9863 6149
info@gihc.com.au⁠ 

On World Sight Day (October 12, 2023), the focus is on emphasising the significance of eye care in the workplace. The objective is to encourage employers to integrate eye health initiatives into regular practice, benefiting the well-being, safety, and productivity of employees globally.

 The first step is to prioritise individual eye health through the #LoveYourEyes pledge. Subsequently, the aim is to urge employers globally to offer high-quality eye care for their employees, ensuring its availability, accessibility, and affordability across diverse work settings.

The mission on this World Sight Day is to raise awareness about safeguarding vision in the workplace and call upon business leaders to prioritize their employees’ eye health. Collaborating with global partners and members, the initiative seeks to underscore the importance of #LoveYourEyes and prompt employers to drive meaningful change.

Access workplace resources and learn how to organise a workplace screening to contribute to this cause. https://www.iapb.org/world-sight-day/

Get in touch for any in-home aged care support inquiries or to book a free consultation!

http://www.gihc.com.au/
1300 912 155, (03) 9863 6149
info@gihc.com.au⁠ 

The department of Health has released new guidance checklists providers of home and community care as well as residential aged care to manage older peoples’ health during heatwaves.

Australia experiences high temperatures during the summer, making heatwaves a common occurrence. This poses significant risks, especially for older individuals living alone, without regular contact with others. A checklist has been provided to guide aged care service providers in meeting their responsibilities under the Aged Care Act 1997 and maintaining service quality during heatwaves.

Before a heatwave, providers are advised to identify at-risk care recipients, assess home cooling systems, and ensure they have appropriate support, including family and friends. Contact details should be shared with local emergency services as needed.

During a heatwave, providers should continue care services, potentially sourcing extra staff or volunteers. Care recipients are at heightened risk following high overnight temperatures, so precautions include closing curtains, providing fluids, encouraging frequent small meals, loose clothing, sunscreen, and avoiding outdoor activities between 11 am and 3 pm. Tepid showers and sponging can help, and signs of heat stress like nausea or skin changes should prompt clinical assessments.

Overall, this checklist emphasises proactive measures to safeguard older individuals during heatwaves, aligning with the Aged Care Act’s objectives and quality standards. Further information is available from state and territory health departments to enhance preparedness for extreme heat events in Australia.

The checklists can be found here: https://www.health.gov.au/resources/publications/caring-for-older-people-in-warmer-weather-residential-aged-care

Get in touch for any inquiries or to book a free consultation!

Get in touch for any inquiries or and to book a free consultation!

http://www.gihc.com.au/
1300 912 155, (03) 9863 6149
info@gihc.com.au⁠ 

In the realm of residential aged care, there exists a disheartening paradox: long waiting lists for admission coexist with many empty beds within the facilities. This discrepancy becomes even more pronounced in certain rural areas, where residential aged care facilities are operating at only half their intended capacity. The root cause of this underutilisation can be attributed to a severe shortage of dedicated staff.

The shortage of staff is a critical issue plaguing these care homes. Qualified professionals who can provide compassionate care to elderly residents are in high demand, but their availability is scarce. As a result, even though there is a pressing need for care, facilities are unable to admit more residents due to their inability to adequately staff and serve them.

Digging deeper into this problem, it becomes evident that one of the central factors contributing to the staffing crisis is the lack of suitable housing for the staff themselves. Many care homes are situated in areas where affordable housing is scarce, making it challenging for employees to secure suitable living arrangements close to their workplace. This housing dilemma not only affects the quality of life for the staff but also poses logistical problems for the care homes in terms of recruitment and retention.

To address this multifaceted issue, some care homes are proactively seeking innovative solutions. These forward-thinking facilities are exploring alternative housing options for their staff, such as offering on-site accommodations or partnering with local housing initiatives. By doing so, they aim to create a more attractive and sustainable work environment, ultimately improving their ability to recruit and retain qualified personnel.

In conclusion, the challenges faced by residential aged care facilities extend beyond the mere existence of long waiting lists and empty beds. Staff shortages, often exacerbated by a lack of suitable housing options, create a complex web of issues that care homes must navigate. Yet, through innovative thinking and proactive measures, some care homes are determined to address these challenges and continue providing the essential care and support that aging populations require.

Get in touch for any inquiries or and to book a free consultation!

http://www.gihc.com.au/
1300 912 155, (03) 9863 6149
info@gihc.com.au⁠  marcus@gihc.com.au⁠

The University of Sydney released a study that looked at how the way people live in their 60s can affect whether they need to residential aged care.

The study found that if people in their 60s are not active, smoke, eat poorly, or have trouble sleeping, they are more likely to end up in residential aged care. The researchers looked at data from over 125,000 Australians who were 60 or older. They put these people into groups based on their lifestyle habits.

Here’s what they found:

1. People in the group with the unhealthiest habits had a 43% higher chance of needing to be admitted to residential aged care compared to those with the healthiest habits.
2. The risk was even higher for people aged 60-64 who had bad habits. They were more than twice as likely to needing to be admitted to residential aged care.
3. Smoking was the worst habit that leads people needing to be admitted to residential aged care.

However, it’s important to know that this study can’t say for sure that bad habits directly cause people to need aged care. There are some things the study couldn’t look at, like whether people changed their habits over time or why they needed to be admitted to residential aged care.

If we encourage older people to make healthier choices like quitting smoking, being more active, and getting better sleep, it could help them stay independent and not need residential aged care. This would also lighten the load on the aged care system.

Get in touch for any inquiries or and to book a free consultation!

http://www.gihc.com.au/
1300 912 155, (03) 9863 6149
info@gihc.com.au⁠  marcus@gihc.com.au⁠

Avoiding caregiver burnout is essential for maintaining your well-being while providing care for someone in need. Caregiver burnout can result from prolonged stress, emotional strain, and physical exhaustion. Here are some strategies to help you prevent caregiver burnout:

✨ Seek Support: Don’t try to do everything on your own. Reach out to friends, family members, or support groups for help and emotional support. Sharing your feelings and experiences with others who understand can be incredibly therapeutic.

✨ Set Realistic Expectations: Understand your limitations and set realistic goals. You can’t do everything, and it’s okay to prioritise certain tasks and responsibilities.

✨ Take Regular Breaks: Make sure to take short breaks throughout the day to rest and recharge. Even just a few minutes of deep breathing or a short walk can help alleviate stress.

✨ Maintain Your Own Health: Remember to take care of your physical and emotional health. Eat well, exercise regularly, and get enough sleep. Avoid sacrificing your own health for the sake of caregiving.

✨ Delegate Tasks: If possible, delegate some caregiving tasks to other family members or hired caregivers. This can lighten your load and give you more time for self-care.

✨ Time Management: Organise your day and prioritize tasks. Use tools like calendars and to-do lists to help you stay organised and reduce the feeling of being overwhelmed.

✨ Respite Care: Consider respite care services, which provide temporary relief to caregivers by offering professional care for your loved one. This can give you a break and reduce the constant caregiving demands.

✨ Set Boundaries: Establish clear boundaries between your caregiving responsibilities and your personal life. Avoid allowing caregiving to consume all your time and energy.

✨ Seek Professional Help: If you’re feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or depressed, it’s essential to seek professional help. A therapist or counsellor can provide support and coping strategies.

✨ Take Time for Yourself: Schedule regular “me time.” This could be doing activities you enjoy, such as reading, gardening, or pursuing a hobby. Self-care is vital for your mental and emotional well-being.

✨ Stay Informed: Educate yourself about your loved one’s condition and available resources. The more you know, the better you can plan and make informed decisions about their care.

✨ Practice Stress-Reduction Techniques: Explore stress-reduction techniques like mindfulness meditation, deep breathing exercises, or yoga. These practices can help you manage stress and stay centred.

✨ Accept Help: Don’t hesitate to accept help when offered by friends or neighbours. People often want to assist but may not know how to offer their support.

✨Stay Positive: Focus on the positive aspects of caregiving and the gratitude you feel for being able to help your loved one. A positive mindset can make the challenges more manageable.

✨ Plan for Resilience: Recognise that caregiving can be a long-term endeavor. Plan for resilience by adopting a sustainable caregiving routine that you can maintain over time.

Remember that caregiver burnout is common, and it’s crucial to prioritise your own well-being. By taking steps to care for yourself, you’ll be better equipped to provide the support your loved one needs. Don’t hesitate to seek professional guidance and support if you’re struggling with caregiver burnout.

Get in touch for any inquiries or and to book a free consultation!

http://www.gihc.com.au/
1300 912 155, (03) 9863 6149
info@gihc.com.au⁠  marcus@gihc.com.au⁠