John Ward

Oct 4, 2024 | johnmenadue.com | John Ward

Ian Chubb’s story in P and I last week is a familiar one to all health and aged care professionals involved in the care of people with dementia. He described the terminal stages of his wife’s dementia and his anger that they were unable to terminate her illness at an earlier stage. Dementia is now the most common cause of death for women and the second most common cause for men. The illness can last for up to 15 years or more.

Sep 16, 2024 | johnmenadue.com | John Ward |Janet Wallace |Dileep Sharma

It is a sad reflection on medical care in Australia that the mouth seems somehow to be disconnected from the body. Doctors and nurses are poorly trained to examine the mouth and oral health is not funded under Medicare. The importance of oral health as a risk factor for cardiovascular disease, respiratory ailments, diabetes and dementia is now well understood. There is no demographic with poorer oral health than older people, especially those in residential aged care.

Apr 12, 2024 | hadleigh.nub.news | John Ward

Following RTG's almost tear-jerker of an farewell, Fr Derek, as we must call him, also asked me if I would like to provide a final message from Babergh to all you good readers. How could I resist? If only to thank our resident spectre. Imagine my surprise on reading the compliment he paid me: it was really unexpected and I don't mind saying that it made me blush. It made my day.

Apr 10, 2024 | johnmenadue.com | John Ward

Aged care staff are unhappy and many older people in residential aged care are unhappy. Certainly, the NSW Health Minister and the hospitals are unhappy because there are 600 people sitting in acute hospital beds who could be in aged care facilities. Unfortunately, there are no appropriate places for them as their problems and behaviours are too difficult. More staff, better pay and increased training will help but not solve the problem.

Aug 29, 2023 | johnmenadue.com | John Ward

Age 65 is no longer relevant to define older people in a new Aged Care Act. It was introduced by Bismarck in Prussia in the 19th century at a time when life expectancy was less than 50 and few people lived past 65. It was reinforced by the US Social Security Act under Roosevelt in 1935 when life expectancy was 58. Most people in their late 60s now are relatively fit and active and many wish to continue working. Defining these people as old contributes to ageism and denies them access to jobs.