Aged Care Royal Commission report a chance to talk about improving medicines use in aged care: NPS MedicineWise

NPS MedicineWise has welcomed the publication of the Final Report of the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety as an opportunity to talk about many of the issues facing the aged care sector, in particular the ongoing need to improve quality use of medicines.

CEO Adj A/Prof Steve Morris said NPS MedicineWise is looking forward to continuing to work with the sector to improve quality use of medicines in aged care.

“Through our current national education program, and beyond, we aim to support people living with dementia, their families and carers, and people who work in this critical part of the health system,” said Mr Morris.

The program, Dementia and changed behaviours: a person-centred approach, is specifically supporting health professionals in caring for people living with dementia who experience changed behaviours.

The program addresses the over-reliance on medicines including antipsychotics and benzodiazepines in the management of changed behaviours in dementia, and highlights the role of non-medicine options.

About the NPS MedicineWise program

The Dementia and changed behaviour: a person-centred approach program was developed in consultation with key stakeholders including Dementia Support Australia, Dementia Training Australia, the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission, the Aged Care Division of the Australian Government Department of Health and the Older Persons Advocacy Network (OPAN).

Audiences for the program include GPs, pharmacists and nurses who care for older people with dementia, both in the community and residential aged care facilities, as well as people with dementia and their carers.

Find out more

• Information for individuals, families and carers: Medicines and dementia: What you need to know

• More information for health professionals: Dementia and changed behaviours: a person-centred approach