Seniors

Some disabilities become more common as we age, particularly those affecting our ability to move around inside and outside the home.
 
Regular daily tasks, such as bathing, dressing and preparing meals, may become more difficult to perform. Nearly half of all Australians aged 85 and over require some help with daily activities. If you need some assistance, see the help at home page.

Several conditions such as arthritis, osteoporosis and muscle weakness and pain become more common as we age.

Neurological illness such as dementia can cause confusion, memory loss and disorientation, and the reduced ability to finish thoughts or follow directions. For some people, dementia may also be combined with decreased mobility, loss of balance and problems with coordination.

As the disease progresses, the person may struggle to perform familiar tasks, remember recent events or understand and recognise potential problems and solutions.

For those living with a person with dementia it can be a confusing and scary time. However, there are some simple ideas that can help make the home a safer environment.

Information sheets

Dementia: Safety in the home (PDF 176KB) (Word 264KB)

Dementia: Tips for everyday living (PDF 170KB) (Word 276KB)

Your family doctor should be able to help with diagnosis and treatment.

Resources and support

• See our Ageing with a disability page, our physical and neurological disabilities page or find more information about other types of disabilities.
• Disability Information and Resource Centre has information about disabilities and related services in SA. 
• Arthritis Foundation provides support to people with arthritis and related conditions. 
• CP Australia works towards creating a national focus for cerebral palsy. 
• Huntington’s Australia provides information about the Australian Huntington's Disease Association. 
• MND Australia is the peak body for motor neurone disease associations in Australia. 
• Motor Neurone Disease Association of South Australia Inc (MNDASA) ensures quality of life for people with motor neurone disease and their families and carers. 
• MS Australia has information about multiple sclerosis. 
• Multiple Sclerosis Society of South Australia and Northern Territory Inc covers state information about multiple sclerosis. 
• Muscular Dystrophy Association Inc provides support services to individuals, families, and carers affected by neuromuscular disorders. 
• Paraplegic and Quadriplegic Association (PQA) of South Australia provides services to adults with a physical or neurological conditions, primarily those persons with a spinal cord injury. 
• Parkinson’s Australia is the peak body representing the state and territory organisations.
• Technical Aid to the Disabled (SA) helps people with disabilities overcome problems by creating, modifying or repairing specific devices.