In this essay you are required to critique primary health care for older people living in the community.Points to consider:Your essay should include an: –explanation of primary health care for older...

Running head: Primary healthcare for older people
Primary healthcare for older people 2
Assignment
Critical Analysis
Topic: Primary Healthcare for older people
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Introduction
The Primary healthcare includes the initial or first level of healthcare services provided by GPs, primary healthcare providers like nurses, pharmacists, allied health workers, community workers and midwives working in private, public and non government sector (Department of Health, 2017). Primary healthcare services for the older people are supported by the Australian Government in form of subsidies to assist them living independently at home. Primary health care services such as clinics and GP play an important role in lifestyle and health education, and prevention of diseases. It also supports them in promoting independence and mobility to help the older people enjoy a socially connected life. The services provided under the primary care include screening, prevention, early detection, treatment and management of diseases for older people > 65 years of age.
The aim of the essay is to perform detailed analysis and evaluate the primary health care services for older people in Australia and explore their effectiveness.
The old age population in Australia is ageing and growing with an 8% rise in the proportion of old age people from 3.3 million in 2013 to 6.35 million in 2015 (Australian Healthcare and Hospital Association [AHHA], (2015). With age, they develop chronic illness, cognitive and physical decline and disability. The primary care services for these people include a number of health and social care services along with informal carers like friends and family. As of now about 1 million old age Australians use formal age care facilities.
Primary Healthcare Networks (PHNs) for the aged care ensure the old age citizens could access the appropriate care at right time and right place. They could live well with independence and dignity, with a choice of affordable care services whenever required. The PHNs assess the existing health services, identify the needs of old age people, and develop the effective solutions to fill the gaps in care delivery. It is found that the access of old age people for the primary care services is hard to navigate and variable because of fragmented healthcare system (Government of South Australia, 2017). Moreover the distribution of healthcare facilities across the country is uneven. The PHNs conduct needs assessments and service planning at regional level to frame local strategies to enhance the quality of primary care services.
The accountability of primary care and aged care relies with the Federal Government. The PHNs improve the integration and coordination of care to deliver the right primary care for older Australians. The PHNs ensure that the community services, disability and aged care is aligned together to ensure that the old age people can transition...