Clinical Practice

Choir creates community for ageing migrants

In a Fremantle community hall, an Italian choir is helping older migrants living with dementia reconnect with memory, identity and…

Calls for input into dementia guidelines

The first major overhaul of Australia’s dementia guidelines since 2016 is now open for public consultation, with Monash University seeking…

Report reveals aged care VAD failures

A new national report has found that most aged‑care providers are failing to support residents’ access to voluntary assisted dying,…

Cultural competency doesn’t equal better nursing: Study

A study of nurses in New Zealand has found that while awareness and reflection on cultural assumptions improves performance, deeper…

Over 400 older Australians hospitalised daily from falls

As fall related hospitalisations rise, April Falls Month is a reminder that balance training, digital tools and adherence to national…

Ageing well more than just health

A study of older Australians has found that ageing well depends as much on purpose and belonging as on physical…

The Iran war may disrupt access to medicines

While PBS stock‑holding rules provide a buffer against short disruptions, experts warn that prolonged conflict in the Middle East could…

VAD laws working, but barriers persist

A new national report shows voluntary assisted dying laws are working safely and compassionately, but major barriers — including federal…

Why cultural identity matters in aged care

As aged care homes celebrate Cultural Diversity Week, providers say cultural identity is becoming central to quality care, with familiar…

New tools target medication harm in aged care

Researchers have released new microlearning videos and a national high‑risk medication tool to reduce preventable medication-related harm in residential aged…

Parkinson’s symptoms differ between sexes: study

Parkinson’s disease is the fastest growing neurological disorder, with over 10 million cases worldwide. Up to 150,000 Australians currently live…

A ‘good death’ has a price

Financial stress is shaping people’s final months, with patients, carers and palliative care staff describing confusing costs, long waits for…

GP continuity saves lives, reduces ED visits: study

A national study of more than 330,000 aged care residents has found those who continue seeing their regular GP experience…

Palliative care: Victoria needs urgent fix

Palliative Care Victoria (PCV) has warned that a rapidly ageing population and increasing demand for services are creating a critical…

Pharmacists urge Labor to invest in medicine safety

Australia’s peak pharmaceutical body has urged the Albanese government to boost investment and modernise pharmacy programs, amid fears Australians vulnerable…

Government forces health cost transparency

The Albanese Government has introduced landmark legislation aimed at providing Australians with greater transparency and value when seeking specialist medical…

2026 may see VAD become available nationally

Voluntary assisted dying is now lawful and being accessed across most – and soon, potentially all – of the country.…

‘Faith-based’ VAD Bill rejected

Proposed legislation that would have allowed aged care providers in New South Wales to block residents from accessing voluntary assisted…

Good homes vital to remote indigenous health

For people living in metro areas, a broken hot water system or washing machine is a nuisance. But it can…

Advocates slam ‘cruel’, ‘ill-conceived’ VAD bill

Eighteen health and legal organisations have signed a joint statement opposing legislation that would allow aged care providers in New…

Aboriginal aged care secures $20m site for $1

A landmark partnership between Wyanga Aboriginal Aged Care and Uniting will see a council car park transformed into a 50-person…

Allan government lifts GP VAD ‘gag clause’

Legislation tabled in the Victorian state parliament last week contains 13 proposed amendments to the laws, including the removal of…

How VAD will be different in the NT

The Northern Territory remains the last jurisdiction to legalise voluntary assisted dying, however, the delivery of this complex service will…

With extra study, nurses will be able to prescribe medications

Endorsed RNs are now able to prescribe medications in partnership with a doctor or nurse practitioner – a change that…

Lecanemab approved by TGA

A new treatment for early to mild Alzheimer’s disease has been registered with Australia’s pharmaceutical regulator in a major development…