THE NEW Royal Commission on long-term care is about to start hearing evidence and is expected to deliver its verdict in a year's time. After this there is likely to be considerable public and political pressure for government action, for feelings continue to run high about why some care is free and some must be paid for, and about the variations across the country in the types and quality of lo...

Constipation is a common complaint and challenge for older adults. The prevalence of constipation increases with age and differs among settings. In individuals 65 years of age or older in the community, the prevalence is 26% for women and 16% for men.1 This rate increases to 34% for women and 26% for men in those 84 years of age and older.1 For long-term care residents, the prevalence is as hig...