Happi Mind

HAPPI-MIND

Holistic Approach in Primary care for PreventIng Memory Impairment aNd Dementia (HAPPI MIND)

 

Our practice is currently participating in a research project that is looking at ways to reduce potential risk factors for dementia in middle-aged adults (aged 45-65years). This research project is being conducted in collaboration with Monash University and other partners.

 

What does the research involve?

In 2020, there was an estimated 459,000 Australians living with dementia and this number is expected to increase to more than one million Australians by 2058. While there is currently no cure for dementia, there is evidence that some health conditions and lifestyles may increase the risk of developing dementia. Some of these risk factors for dementia can exist in mid-life, well before a person may start to show signs or symptoms of dementia. The aim of this research project is to evaluate a new approach for assessing dementia risk and reducing dementia risk factors in middle-aged adults in the primary care (e.g. general practice) setting.

 

The project requires four main sets of assessments (at the beginning of the study, and then yearly at 12 months, 24 months and 36 months after commencing the study). A brief questionnaire will also be conducted at 6 months. Measures will include questionnaires, interviews and clinical measurements (e.g. blood tests, weight measurement, blood pressure measurement)Each assessment will take approximately one hour, and can be broken into smaller time periods if desired. Questionnaires will be available online and can be completed either at home or at your General Practitioner’s clinic. Interviews will be organized in a private area at your General Practitioner’s clinic or a mutually convenient place.  Clinical measurements will be conducted by a health professional at your General Practitioner’s clinic and/or pathology collection service. The intervention nurse may access your health records and laboratory data in order to complete the assessment and/or to assist in the delivery of the intervention.

 

During each assessment you will be asked to;

  • Answer questions about you, your health, your lifestyle choices and your well-being
  • Measure health parameters (e.g. height, weight, waist circumference, blood pressure)
  • Do a fasting blood test (10mLs or less of blood will be taken by a trained health professional, to check blood cholesterol levels, blood glucose levels and glycated haemoglobin [HbA1c])

 

Reimbursement

If you meet all the eligibility requirements,  you will be reimbursed for your participation in this research study. For more information please refer to the consumer explanatory statement document.

 

 

Currently not taking new patients

Building a home.

Eleanor Clinic has been open for not even a month now and we have been overwhelmed by the encouragement and positive feedback from the many familiar and new faces who have given us their trust. Thank you all!

So again: Welcome to your Medical Home in the West. Eleanor Clinic was founded by local medical mums. We have aimed to create a welcoming space for all of you and your families. A place filled with natural light and beautiful colours.

All of us have worked and lived in the West for a long time and we are excited to be able to provide you with the highest quality of care in a warm and welcoming environment.

Eleanor Clinic is located right next to the Western Hospital Emergency Department, nestled in Footscray’s medical precinct. Medical specialists, pathology and radiology services are right at the doorstep. This enables us to work closely with all specialist services. The benefit to you is that you and your family get fantastic medical care from one location.

If required, you can have an xray at Capital Radiology at Western Private hospital 50 metres down the road, and we can review the digital images together with you shortly after. Other specialists like the orthopaedic surgeon or physiotherapist are just down the road.

We opened this clinic because we wanted to create a workplace where people love to come to work, are well supported and therefore are able to provide you with the best care. You know that over-stretched image of the good old GPs where you are warmly welcome and truly looked after? Well – that is truly the idea. Whether it’s your own medical needs from preconception, pregnancy care to baby and toddler issues. Or the very distinct medical needs of teenagers and young adults. Your work/life balance as parents or grandparents, up to your doctor being there during times of severe illness or even a life limiting illness.

Eleanor Clinic has been a long time in the making, so our smallest children accompanied us to lots of meetings. You might imagine how this went better on some days than on others. Architects, builders, craftspeople, lawyers, accountants, furniture shops, IT consultants – everyone involved underwent the little children exposure test – multiple times. We can attest that everyone involved in our adventure has been truly tested and is now certified kids friendly.

In making Eleanor Clinic a reality we had enormous support from the Northside Clinic and the GLBTIQ community. We are committed to provide an environment that is safe and inclusive for all – regardless of sexual orientation, sex or gender identity. Naturally, we provide comprehensive testing for and treatment of sexually transmitted infections and HIV.

Our surroundings have a large role in bringing joy into our lives. We made use of recycled materials in renovating the clinic building and chose the most energy efficient and environmentally friendly options available. And while beautiful rooms are one thing, enjoying nature and the outdoors is something else completely. So we created an outdoor garden for our patients to enjoy.

So there you have it: Eleanor Clinic has well and truly come together through the help of so many people. And it keeps being shaped by those who come here together.