MONDAY to FRIDAY – 8:30am to 6pm

SATURDAY – 8:30am to 12pm

Suite 6, Ground Floor 32 Florence St HORNSBY NSW 2077

Senior Health in Hornsby

Florence Street Family Practice provides senior health services for older adults in the Hornsby area. Our experienced team of doctors and nurses offers personalised care to support healthy ageing and independence. We manage common age-related conditions such as chronic diseases, mobility issues, hearing loss, and cognitive decline. Through regular health checks, preventive care, and tailored treatment plans, we help seniors maintain their well-being and quality of life with compassion and professionalism.

Call (02) 9476 2255 for senior health services in Hornsby. Our expert team provides compassionate care for seniors, managing chronic conditions, mobility, hearing, and overall well-being. Let us help you or your loved ones live a healthier, more independent life.

Regular check-ups and preventive health screenings can help you stay well for longer. Here’s what you should consider:

  • Every Year: Flu vaccination (for over 65s), osteoporosis risk assessment, vision and hearing checks (for over 65s), and a dental check-up.
  • Every 2 Years: Heart disease risk assessment, blood pressure check, bowel cancer screening, and mammograms for women.
  • Every 3 Years: Diabetes risk assessment, cholesterol and lipids test, and annual eye tests if you’re over 65. As Needed: Skin cancer checks, depression risk assessments, and falls assessments (for over 65s).

Comprehensive Senior Health Services Provided by Florence St Family Practice

We at Florence Street Family Practice are here to support you or your loved ones through every stage of ageing. Our dedicated and experienced team provides personalised senior health care, allowing for independence, and continued enjoyment of life. From managing chronic conditions to regular health checks and preventive care, we focus on what matters most – your well-being and quality of life. Here is what to look out for:

Alzheimer’s Disease

Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive neurological condition that damages brain cells, leading to problems with memory, thinking, language, and behaviour. It is the most common condition seen in older adults and gradually affects a person’s ability to carry out everyday activities.

Symptoms of Alzheimer’s Disease

  • Memory loss that disrupts daily life
  • Difficulty solving problems or planning
  • Confusion with time or place
  • Trouble understanding visual images
  • Withdrawal from social or work activities
  • Changes in mood, personality, or judgment

Stages of Alzheimer’s Disease

  • Mild (Early stage): Minor memory issues, misplacing items, trouble finding words
  • Moderate (Middle stage): Increased confusion, behavioural changes, needing help with daily tasks
  • Severe (Late stage): Major memory loss, limited communication, full-time care needed

How Alzheimer’s Disease Can Be Managed

While there’s no cure, early treatment can improve the quality of life. Medications may slow progression, and memory support programs, daily routines, and family involvement help maintain independence and well-being for as long as possible.

Falls

Falls are unexpected drops to the ground that can cause injury in older adults. They may lead to broken bones, hospital stays, or reduced mobility, affecting independence and quality of life. Prevention is key to staying safe and active.

Risk Factors for Falls

  • Age over 65
  • Muscle weakness or balance issues
  • Chronic conditions like arthritis or diabetes
  • Previous history of falls
  • Poor footwear or use of walking aids

How to Prevent Falls in Seniors

Staying active with balance and strength exercises, removing home hazards, using mobility aids correctly, and having regular vision and medication checks can help reduce fall risks. A safe, well-lit environment and support from carers or family are also important. 

Incontinence

Incontinence is the inability to fully control bladder or bowel movements. It’s common in older adults and may lead to leaks, discomfort, and reduced confidence. With the right support, it can be managed to maintain quality of life.

Types of Incontinence

  • Stress incontinence: Leaks with coughing, sneezing, or lifting
  • Urge incontinence: Sudden, strong need to urinate
  • Overflow incontinence: The bladder doesn’t empty fully
  • Functional incontinence: Physical or cognitive issues prevent reaching the toilet in time

Common Causes of Incontinence in Seniors

  • Weakened pelvic muscles
  • Prostate issues (in men)
  • Urinary tract infections
  • Neurological conditions (e.g., stroke, Parkinson’s)
  • Side effects of certain medications

Treatment & Management Options

Managing incontinence involves pelvic floor exercises, bladder training, lifestyle changes, medications, or absorbent products. In some cases, surgical options may be recommended. A doctor can help choose the most suitable approach.

Dementia

Dementia is a group of conditions that affect memory, thinking, behaviour, and daily functioning. It’s caused by damage to brain cells and is more common in older adults.

Common Symptoms of Dementia

  • memory loss
  • Difficulty communicating
  • Confusion and disorientation
  • Changes in mood or behavior
  • Trouble with daily tasks

Types of Dementia

  • Alzheimer’s disease: Most common type; gradual memory and thinking decline
  • Vascular Dementia: Caused by reduced blood flow to the brain
  • Lewy Body Dementia: Includes movement issues and visual hallucinations
  • Frontotemporal Dementia: Affects personality and language

Stages of Dementia Progression

  1. Early Stage: Mild memory issues and confusion
  2. Middle Stage: Increased symptoms, help with daily tasks
  3. Late Stage: Severe memory loss, communication problems, full-time care needed

Treatment and Management Options

While there’s no cure, dementia symptoms can be managed with medications, routine support, memory therapy, and carer assistance. Early diagnosis helps with care planning and maintaining independence for longer.

Glaucoma

Glaucoma is an eye condition where pressure builds up in the eye, damaging the optic nerve. If untreated, it can lead to vision loss or blindness.

Types of Glaucoma

  • Open-angle glaucoma: Slow, common type with gradual vision loss
  • Angle-closure glaucoma: Sudden increase in eye pressure, a medical emergency

Common Symptoms and Signs

  • Blurred or tunnel vision
  • Eye pain or redness
  • Halos around lights
  • Gradual loss of peripheral vision (often unnoticed at first)

Risk Factors for Developing Glaucoma

  1. Age over 60
  2. Family history of glaucoma
  3. Diabetes or high blood pressure
  4. Long-term steroid use

Treatment and Management Options

Early treatment can slow the progression. Options include daily eye drops, oral medications, laser treatment, or surgery to reduce eye pressure and protect vision. Regular eye checks are key to early detection.

Hearing Loss

Hearing loss is a reduced ability to hear sounds, making it harder to follow conversations or respond to everyday noises. It’s common in older adults and may affect their quality of life if untreated.

Types of Hearing Loss

  • Conductive: Sound can’t pass through the outer or middle ear
  • Sensorineural: Damage to the inner ear or hearing nerve
  • Mixed: Combination of both types

Symptoms and Signs of Hearing Loss

  • Trouble hearing conversations, especially in noisy places
  • Asking people to repeat themselves
  • Turning up the TV or radio louder than usual
  • Ringing in the ears (tinnitus)

Common Causes of Hearing Loss in Seniors

  • Age-related wear and tear (presbycusis)
  • Long-term exposure to loud noise
  • Earwax build-up
  • Infections or medical conditions

Treatment and Management Options

Treatment depends on the cause. Hearing aids, cochlear implants, or earwax removal can help. Regular hearing tests and support from health professionals improve communication and quality of life.

Parkinson's Disease

Parkinson’s disease is a progressive neurological disorder that affects movement, coordination, and balance. It occurs when brain cells that produce dopamine are damaged.

Common Symptoms of Parkinson’s Disease

  • Tremors or shaking, especially in hands
  • Muscle stiffness
  • Slowed movements
  • Balance and coordination issues
  • Changes in speech or writing

Causes and Risk Factors

  • Aging (common over 60)
  • Family history
  • Exposure to certain toxins
  • History of head injury

Stages of Parkinson’s Disease Progression

  1. Early Stage: Mild symptoms, may not affect daily life
  2. Middle Stage: Noticeable movement difficulties, daily tasks requiring help
  3. Advanced Stage: Severe symptoms, full-time support often needed

Treatment and Management Options

While there’s no cure, medications can ease symptoms. Physical therapy, occupational therapy, and regular exercise support mobility. Ongoing care helps improve daily function and quality of life.

Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune condition where the immune system attacks the joints, causing inflammation, pain, and stiffness. It can affect mobility and lead to joint damage over time.

Common Symptoms of Rheumatoid Arthritis

  • Swollen, tender joints
  • Morning stiffness lasting more than 30 minutes
  • Fatigue and low energy
  • Joint pain on both sides of the body

Causes and Risk Factors

  • Exact cause is unknown
  • Autoimmune response triggers joint inflammation
  • Risk factors include age, family history, smoking, and being female

Treatment and Management Options

Treatment includes anti-inflammatory or disease-modifying medications, physiotherapy, joint protection techniques, and lifestyle changes to reduce flare-ups and maintain joint function. Early diagnosis improves long-term outcomes.

Why Choose Florence St Family Practice For Senior Health Service?

Comprehensive Senior Care

We offer a wide range of services for seniors, including chronic disease management, regular health checks, and tailored support for conditions such as Alzheimer’s, arthritis, and diabetes, helping maintain independence and well-being.

Experience and Compassionate Team

Our team includes experienced doctors, nurses, and allied health professionals who understand the unique needs of older adults. They provide respectful, personalised care focused on maintaining health, independence, and quality of life.

Holistic Approach to Ageing

We support overall well-being by focusing on physical, mental, and emotional health. Services include fall prevention, mobility support, hearing and vision checks, and regular mental health assessments tailored to seniors’ needs.

Convenient and Accessible Care

Located in the heart of Hornsby, our clinic is easy to reach by public transport or car. We offer flexible appointment times, including online booking, to suit seniors and their families, making regular care simple and stress-free.

Preventive Health Program

Regular check-ups, recommended vaccinations, and health screenings help detect issues early. Lifestyle advice supports healthy aging, reduces the risk of chronic disease, and helps older adults stay independent and active in daily life.

Patient-Centred Approach

Each care plan is personalised to match each senior’s specific health needs, goals, and preferences.. The focus is on shared decision-making, regular check-ins, and support that respects individual values and lifestyle choices.

Physical activity guidelines for older people

Why should older people stay active?

Whatever your age, you can enjoy the benefits of physical activity. There’s a host of health reasons to stay active and it doesn’t have to be ‘serious business’ — being active can be fun, especially if you can socialise at the same time. Exercise also helps keep your mind active and improves your quality of life. 

  • high blood pressure 
  • high cholesterol
  • type 2 diabetes
  • heart disease
  • bone problems, including osteoporosis
  • obesity
  • some types of cancer
  • improve your sleep 
  • improve your mood
  • give you more energy
  • reduce stress levels and anxiety
  • reduce pain from conditions such as arthritis

Conversely, spending a lot of time sitting down (being sedentary) may increase the risk of health conditions. So, it’s a good idea to break up long periods of sitting with physical activity. Even a few minutes of walking or stretching is beneficial. 

Some types of physical activity, such as resistance training and flexibility exercises, can improve physical changes that come with ageing. 

Most people lose some muscle mass, bone density and flexibility as they age. Chronic health problems can also contribute to weakness and frailty. 

Physical activity has been shown to improve overall health, reduce the chance of chronic health conditions and reduce frailty. This means that staying active may help you live longer with a better quality of life. 

You should aim for about 30 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity every day. Moderate-intensity exercise should make you feel a bit breathless, but you should still be able to talk comfortably. 

Incorporate different types of physical activity into your daily routine. This will keep it interesting and easier to stick to over time. 

What types of exercise should older people be doing?

There are 4 main types of physical activity that are important for people of all ages. 

Help keep your heart and lungs healthy. This includes:

  • brisk walking
  • cycling
  • swimming
  • golf (without a gold cart)
  • tennis
  • aerobics classes
  • dancing

Household chores such as gardening and cleaning can also be a great cardio workout. Low-impact activities such as swimming can be beneficial for people who find movement painful because of health conditions such as .

You don’t have to do all your activity in one session per day — you can spread it out. For example, 10 minutes of cardio 3 times a day, or 15 minutes twice a day

Help your muscles and bones stay strong. Strength training and weight-bearing exercise are especially helpful at increasing your bone density and reducing the risk of falls among people with osteoporosis.

Strength exercises include:

  • weight training
  • resistance training
  • lifting and carrying (for example, groceries or small children)
  • gardening (involving digging and lifting)
  • climbing stairs

Aim to build strength exercises into your routine about 2 to 3 times a week.

Incorporate gentle stretching and bending exercises that help you move more easily. This might include:

  • Tai Chi
  • yoga
  • dancing
  • gardening
  • lawn bowls
  • mopping or vacuuming

Try to do some stretching exercises every day. You can even stretch while watching TV or waiting for the kettle to boil — you can follow the diagrams here.

Help improve your balance, which can help prevent falls. They include:

  • side leg raises.
  • half squats
  • heel raises.

Remember, physical activity can be varied, and you can exercise outside of a gym or classes. There are also online fitness tools and programs you can use at home.

Even people who are less mobile or have a disability can find ways to keep active. Find an exercise program that is tailored to people at a similar age and fitness level as you.

If you’re struggling to find an activity that’s right for you, ask your doctor, exercise physiologist or physiotherapist.

Your Health, Your Future

Your health is in your hands, and small, consistent steps can help you stay independent and active for years to come. We are here to support senior men’s health and senior women’s health. Need advice? Book a check-up with us at Florence St Family Practice and take charge of your wellbeing today!

Want to know if your treatment is bulk billed? You are eligible if you are 70 years of age and over, registered with us and in MyMedicare or a Veteran with a Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA) white or gold card. You can also find out more about government concessions and income support payments here.

We Bulk Bill:

  • Centrelink HealthCare Concession Card
  • Pensioner Concession Card or Commonwealth Seniors Health Care Card
  • Veterans with a Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA) white or gold card
  • All patients 70 years of age and over who are registered with us in MyMedicare.
  • Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander patients*
  • Chronic disease care plans, mental health care plans and health assessments
  • Annual Heart Health Checks**
  • For our MyMedicare registered patients, routine repeat prescriptions and ongoing referrals that do not require a full consultation will be bulk billed.
  • Mandatory driver’s license medicals for private grade driver licenses are bulk billed.