Ageing and Aged Care

A priority for Speech Pathology Australia is supporting speech pathologists working across the continuum of care for older people. On this page are a range of resources, along with links to information and resources on external websites.

For help and assistance with Ageing and Aged Care or questions regarding material on this page email the Association's Senior Aged Care Advisor. Alternatively, contact Speech Pathology Australia.

General resources

The following are Speech Pathology Australia resources available for members only. (View other Member Benefits).

• Position Statement: Working with older people
• Clinical Guidelines: Dysphagia, VFSS, other
• Fact sheet: Speech pathologists working with older people (and Easy English version)
• Speech pathology in aged care - role of speech pathologists and red flags for referral
• End of Life Care tip sheet
• Professional resources available on this website.

Elder Abuse

• Communication impairment increases vulnerability to elder abuse
• Empowering an older person with communication
• Elder Abuse: package of resources .

Sector-specific resources

The following are Speech Pathology Australia resources available for members only. (View other Member Benefits).

Residential aged care

• FAQ: Clinical Record Keeping in Facilities

Community / home care

• Speech Pathology Australia Aged Care Case Study 1 John (PPA) - role of speech pathologists in wellness and reablement  
• Speech Pathology Australia Aged Care Case Study 2 Bill (TIA, dementia) - role of speech pathologists in wellness and reablement  

Hospital / rehab care

• Referring older people to speech pathology services in the community (under development). 

Training presentations

The following are Speech Pathology Australia resources available for members only. (View other Member Benefits).

• Speech Pathology Australia: Speech pathology and older people presentation (Aged Care Complaints Commission)
• Speech Pathology Australia regional assessment service – New assessor training presentation: 
• Pilot – extended version
• Ongoing – short version

External publications

Department of Health

• Department of Health: Ageing and Aged Care
• My Aged Care
• Fact Sheet – urgent direct to service referrals in the community
• CHSP guidelines
• About Home Care Packages
• Residential Aged Care: Aged Care Act 1997 – note: chapter 4 Responsibilities of Providers
• Residential Aged Care: Quality of Care Principles 2014 – note Schedule 1 and 3

National Aged Care Alliance (NACA)

• Assistive Technology and Older People Position Paper

External Resources

End of life and pallative care

• CareSearch
  Online resource providing information and resources for health professionals and the public about palliative care including bereavement.
• palliAGED
  Online resource for aged care staff and health professionals to easily find evidence and practice tips. Older Australians, their families and friends are also welcome to use these trustworthy resources.
• Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care - their work on supporting quality practice in end of life care
• Advance Care Planning Australia
• Program of Experience in the Palliative Approach PEPA
• PCC4U.

Clinical guidelines

Stroke

• Australian Aphasia Rehabilitation Pathway
• Clinical Guidelines for Stroke Management ( Stroke Foundation) 2017.

Dementia

• Clinical Guidelines for Dementia – Dementia Australia
• Clinical Practice Guidelines and Principles of Care for People with Dementia– Cognitive Decline Partnership (2016)
• Allied Health Professionals and you: a guide for people with dementia and their carers.