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Aged care in spotlight at Townsville symposium

Published 03 August 2022

Health professionals to be updated on looking after older people

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Image: Key speaker, Dr Edward Strivens

Health practitioners will be given the latest knowledge and techniques about providing care for older people living at home, receiving in-patient care, or living in residential aged care facilities at a symposium in Townsville on 6 August.

James Cook University (JCU) and Northern Queensland Primary Health Network (NQPHN) are hosting the full day interactive aged care symposium, a first in the region.

NQPHN Chief Executive Officer Robin Whyte said as the region’s population aged, it was critical   health care professionals in the aged care sector were given the most up-to-date information and skills to care for older people.

“We know that aged care is growing and is a big challenge for health practitioners to give their patients the best care and attention,” she said.

“This event will help skill them as well as provide the latest information to care for their older patients at home, in hospital, or in residential aged care facilities.”

JCU Adjunct Professor Dr Edward Strivens, a practising clinician and national leader in geriatric medicine and dementia, will give a presentation about the Royal Commission into Aged Care findings and recommendations.

“The Royal Commission highlighted some of the immense challenges and barriers we all face in delivering quality aged care for older Australians and its recommendations potentially give a once in a generation opportunity to ensure the most vulnerable people in our society receive the right care, in the right place, and at the right time,” Dr Strivens said.

“This symposium will give a great opportunity to see where we can use those recommendations to drive change.”

“Other topics at the symposium will include an overview of assessment of older people as well as interactive workshops on Minding the Mind: Ageing, Cognitive Functioning, and Social and Emotional Wellbeing; mobility, frailty and exercise prescription for older adults and understanding high risks medications in advanced age.”

JCU Dean of College of Healthcare Sciences Professor Lee Stewart said the symposium came at a critical moment.

'With the renewed focus on the quality (or lack thereof) of Aged Care in Australia over the past months, this symposium provides a timely reminder as well as giving specific knowledge and skills to support health professionals in providing the best quality care to our precious elderly in diverse communities,” Professor Stewart said.  

The symposium is at JCU Townsville, Bebegu Yumba campus, Douglas on 6 August 2022.

Last updated: 03 August 2022