Australasian journal on ageing
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To determine how older people with dementia and their family caregivers experience dementia assessment services and preferences for future configuration of diagnostic services. ⋯ These findings highlight some key considerations, which should be included in future research leading to decisions about the design of dementia client services.
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To measure how care needs, health and length of stay in permanent residential aged care differs by assessed need for palliative care. ⋯ Palliative care appraisal is associated with increased complexity in assessed care needs, different profiles of health and shorter length of stays in permanent residential aged care.
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To examine the prevalence and predictors of cannabis use among older Australians and discuss implications for service provision. ⋯ This increase in cannabis use among older Australians has important implications for policy and practice. Healthcare services and professionals need the skills to be able to effectively support older cannabis users. Targeted, age-appropriate interventions are similarly required.
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At a time of increasing dementia prevalence, this research explores the cost of treatment and length of stay associated with the syndrome in a large regional hospital. ⋯ Dementia imposes a large cost and resource burden on a regional hospital. Improved identification of the syndrome on admission and implementation of best-evidence management of dementia in regional hospitals may improve care efficiency.
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To explore the role and needs of the family carer across different acute care contexts and their level of involvement in the care of their relative with dementia in this setting. ⋯ There is a need for family-focused interventions to improve communication and involvement of family in the care of family members with dementia in the acute setting.