The oral health of older adults with dementia
Dementia has become a key issue in aged care. It is estimated that 167,000 Australians had dementia in 2002, leading to dementia being a major cause of disease burden. This publication reports on an investigation of the oral health status of community-dwelling older dentate adults in Adelaide, South Australia with and without dementia. Older adults with dementia had higher levels of dental disease and their oral health deteriorated faster over a one-year follow-up period compared to those without dementia. Older adults with dementia also faced barriers to adequate dental care, identifying the need for improved strategies for the provision of regular oral assessment, oral hygiene care and dental treatment.
Mental health services in Australia 2002-03
Mental health services in Australia 2002-03 describes the characteristics and activity of Australia's mental health services including ambulatory and residential mental health-related care provided by hospitals, community-based services, general practitioners, private psychiatrists and some disability support services. Information on the broad trends in mental health care is presented in an easy-to-use summary. Detailed statistics show the hospital care of patients admitted with a mental health-related diagnosis, the services, beds, staffing and expenditure in psychiatric hospitals and community-based services, and mental health-related medications prescribed by general practitioners and private psychiatrists. A special theme chapter has been included which presents an overview of the available data on the mental health care of people with schizophrenia.
The impact of dementia on the health and aged care systems
In mid-2003, the Department of Health and Ageing commissioned the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare to investigate the extent to which health and aged care service use can be associated with dementia, to inform an Australian Government review of pricing arrangements in residential aged care by Professor Warren Hogan. This report presents the findings of these investigations, examining the prevalence of dementia in the Australian population, the current patterns of service use by people with dementia and the costs associated with this use.
Mental health services in Australia 2001-02
Mental Health Services in Australia 2001-02 describes the characteristics and activity of Australia's mental health services including ambulatory and residential mental health-related care provided by hospitals, community-based services, general practitioners, private psychiatrists and some disability support services. Information on the broad trends in mental health care is presented in an easy-to-use summary. Detailed statistics show the hospital care of patients admitted with a mental health-related diagnosis, the services, beds, staffing and expenditure in psychiatric hospitals and community-based services, and mental health-related medications prescribed by general practitioners and private psychiatrists. A special theme chapter has been included for the first time, presenting an overview of the available data on the mental health care of people with depression.
Aged care innovative pool dementia and disability pilot services evaluation: report on the scope of a national evaluation framework
This paper summarises a project undertaken by the Ageing and Aged Care Unit at the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) to define the scope of work for the development of a national evaluation framework for the Aged Care Innovative Pool dementia care and disability services. Current until 5 December 2004.
Chronic diseases and associated risk factors in Australia, 2001
Chronic diseases and associated risk factors in Australia, 2001 provides statistical overviews of a number of long-lasting conditions, disorders and illnesses that comprise the quality of life of a large number of Australians. In particular, the report examines the burden of disease associated with a set of chronic diseases in the context of their long course through life, persistent effects and associated disability. Heart problems, a variety of cancers, several lung diseases, diabetes, arthritis, depression and dental caries are some of the chronic disease and conditions covered. Risk factors leading to or contributing to these factors such as high blood pressure, high blood cholesterol and excess weight are also examined.
NHPA report on mental health: a report focusing on depression 1998, summary
Summarises the NHPA Report on Mental Health 1998/: A Report Focusing on Depression, which updates data and trends provided in the First Report on National Health Priority Areas, outlines the current status of mental health in Australia and proposes a framework for future collaborative action between all stakeholders. The summary and the full report may be bought as a set for $25.00.