Voice of Aged Care

Show notes: Episode #46 Getting Into the Industry If you are considering getting into the aged care industry, it can be hard to know where to start. So in this episode I share 5 essential considerations that will set you up for a rewarding career in aged care. With the aging population here in Australia and across the world, a career in aged care offers many diverse opportunities. So, the first consideration is to think about which aspect of aged care attracts you and where you think your skills will benefit the most. Having a clear picture of what you want is essential before you begin, so ask yourself, where you see yourself fitting in. Will you be self-employed, applying for job, or volunteering some time? Deciding when and where you wish to work is a critical first step. The second consideration is to be prepared for the unexpected, as aged care is unpredictable. Be aware that what you see could trigger an emotional reaction. This is quite important to understand, as unlike an office job where things are quite consistent, when you work with elderly, there is always an element of the unexpected. This is something that takes a while to work out and it requires you to let go of that sense of control. There are a lot of surprises in aged care, for example, people who are very unwell can live for far longer than you expect, while others might be quite suddenly gone. How we deal with and process these events is so important, which is why I speak about grief and loss and closure in much detail in my workshops. This is something we need to keep working on over time. The third consideration involves continuous learning, because in this industry, you're never going to be at a level in your learning journey where you can stop. Always embrace opportunities to learn, whether that is through attending workshops, reading books or listening to podcasts. Find a medium that works for you and allows you to keep up to date with the latest practices and continue to develop the knowledge that is really relevant for you and your role. Also look to equip yourself with complementary skills that can expand your ability to help. For instance, you might want to learn about stroke, safe swallowing, or emotional distress, not so that you can treat these conditions, but so you can know when to escalate concerns. Record your professional development in a diary as sharing your study achievements makes you more hireable. Knowing how to support an elder in today's world makes you a really good candidate. The fourth consideration is interrelated with the third, as it involves finding experts to align yourself with to stay current. Get to know who you should follow on socials, and stay up to date with what they are talking about and doing. Seek out examples of their success stories, or where possible, identify opportunities to work with them. Having current, relevant knowledge under your belt gives you a definite edge when applying for a position. The final thing I want you to consider is that there will be bumps in the road. Expect some hiccups. It will not always be smooth sailing, but don't give up when it gets hard early on. This is especially true if you are a business owner, but also for those working privately. If you encounter setbacks, take a step back and look at the issue with fresh eyes. Starting a new career or new business does feel really hard, so acknowledge the journey, pat yourself on the back, give yourself some praise and realise the difficult times will pass. Seek support and connect with others so you don't feel alone. In this episode you will learn: How to create a clear vision of the type of career you want Why expecting the unexpected is a must in aged care The importance of education and why you must never stop learning How to find and align yourself with the experts to stay current That hiccups will happen along the way but you can overcome them Resources: Visit the Wisecare website to download these free resources: 20 Strategies to Help an Older person Struggling With Changes in Late Life 5 Facts About Me Worksheet Free Chapter: Beyond the Reluctant Move

Diversional therapist Lauretta Kaldor is true pioneer in her field, and has a wealth of wisdom and knowledge to share. Starting out as a school teacher in the 1950s at the age of 19, her journey towards diversional therapy began later in life when she was teaching arts and crafts to older people. When asked to run her classes in a residential care facility, Lauretta discovered a true passion for working with elders and has never looked back. She realised early that it was very important to adapt the activities to suit – the challenge was to produce activities that were adult and not childish, but could be completed and enjoyed by older people with varying abilities. With no resources available at the time to guide her, Lauretta was forced to discover herself which activities to do, through a process of trial and error. She started documented everything she was doing, and spent time reflecting on what worked and what didn't. These notes were not only useful to show management what the class was working on, they also formed the basis of her first book in 1984. Since then she has achieved formal qualifications in Leisure and Health (while in her 60s) and Dementia (in her 80s) and has written many more books for leisure staff working in aged care containing ideas on craft, reminiscing programs and games. During her group work and time spent one-on-one with residents, Lauretta found that the benefits lie not only in the activity itself, but also in the relationship you build with people. When the connection is there, the residents know what to expect, and look forward to the sessions as they know they will be doing something enjoyable. Through targeted activities, Lauretta finds art and crafts a powerful way to share stories and reminisce, especially when combined with a teaching aid that will spark memories and help people remember. She also emphasises the importance of understanding a person's social history, as without this knowledge you may unintentionally trigger a trauma. Today, Lauretta remains as passionate and hungry for knowledge as ever, and encourages her colleagues to listen to podcasts and attend every course possible to continue to learn more. She believes you can never ‘overlearn', especially when it comes to the workings of the brain, where revision will only deepen your understanding of mental health and dementia. She finished our interview with some sound advice: enjoy what you are doing. Because if you enjoy it you are more than likely going to be successful. In this episode you will learn: Valuable tips, strategies and insights for creating leisure programs The importance of planning, documenting and revising what you do Why ongoing learning is critical at every stage of your career How to build a connection and relationship through leisure programs Why you need to understand a person's social history before you begin Resources: Visit Lauretta Kaldor's website for free ideas and resources: http://laurettakaldor.com.au/

Show notes: Episode #44 Escalating Concerns For those who work in aged care or care for elders in their home, it can be difficult to know when and where to escalate concerns about client wellbeing. This applies to concerns about the wellbeing of the person's family and your colleagues too. While I do talk about this at the end of my training programs, I think it is a really important topic that needs to be discussed in its own right. So in this episode, we'll explore when and where to escalate concerns about the wellbeing of your clients, their families and your colleagues. With the high prevalence of mental health conditions in Australia, noticing signs that things are not right can make such a difference to mental health outcomes. In 2023 in Australia, about 9 people take their own lives every day. Early intervention and support, even as simple as a confidential chat, can make a real and positive difference. But where can those who may be struggling turn to for support? When it comes to clients, you may first notice they are a bit flat, are not themselves, are disengaged or maybe a little teary and emotional. While we all have bad days, if this continues for longer than a few days, it may be a sign that something is not right. Maybe they have experienced changes to their physical health, or are going through grief and loss? Always follow workplace procedures for escalation if you are worried. Often this means escalating your concerns to a GP who can have a confidential chat with the person and their family to evaluate what is happening and screen them for any medical issues that may be having an impact Where in the past GPs may have prescribed medications exclusively, they are now more likely to offer non-pharmacological strategies to boost wellbeing alongside or as an alternative, such as counselling or joining a group where appropriate. A GP is in a unique position as they can evaluate what is going on, monitor the person's health and wellbeing and review the outcomes, refining strategies if needed. Keep in mind that it is often not the GP who first notices any changes, and this is why it is so important to escalate your concerns. From there, the GP can assess the person to determine what is the best course of action Depending on your client, they may prefer to call and access support services themselves. If this is the case, provide them with contact details for organisations that can help including Lifeline, Beyond Blue and Swinburne Wellbeing Clinic for Older Adults. Many families can have difficulty processing changes in late life too. From the role reversal of care to their past family history, it can feel like a lot to deal with all at once. Sometimes things change overnight, at other times it can be subtle shifts over time. Families are often processing grief about what is happening now and what will happen in the future. Accepting things are different is hard, especially when they feel they need to be strong on the surface. So, if you notice families are needing additional support, what can you do? After speaking to families, it can be helpful to provide them with brochures that talk about transitioning to aged care, or dealing with grief. Organisations such as the Australia Centre for Grief and Bereavement have some excellent resources that discuss the emotions family or friends may be experiencing, including guilt, sadness, shame, fear, frustration, anxiety, as well as information on how they can take care of themselves. The brochures also includes phone numbers of support groups where they can have a confidential chat. Be sure to mention it's okay to talk to staff about their loved one's care. Opening the lines of communication and providing them with the information they need could be the first step in helping them to seek support sooner, as opposed to pushing through. When we are working with families, they are more likely to feel supported, which in turn allows them to engage more positively with the client, which is a better outcome for all. Another situation where it may be necessary to escalate concerns is if you notice a colleague who is struggling. Perhaps they seem a bit off, a bit short or are just not themselves? They could be experiencing personal stress or burnout, or maybe the organisation is going through a challenging event, such as accreditation. Where can we escalate these concerns? Speaking to your colleague directly is a good first step, or if this is not possible or doesn't help, escalate concerns to management. Many workplaces have handouts on employee assistance programs (EAP) and offer access to counselling, which can be really beneficial to those who need short-term intervention. For those needing more long-term support, EAP can guide them towards additional services if and when required. When your colleagues know that staff and management are there to support them when they are going through difficult days and difficult times, it can encourage then to see their GP or health providers for external support if needed. Remember, it is also really important to take care of yourself. The more we practise self-care, the better equipped we are to look out for each other. And when it comes to escalating concerns, it is always better to be safe than sorry, and it's always better to help someone sooner rather than later. In this episode you will learn: How to escalate concerns about a client's wellbeing The importance of noticing changes and acting How having difficult conversations with families can leave them and you feeling vulnerable What you can do to help families who are struggling with changes Why we need to look out for each other and how to escalate concerns about colleague wellbeing. Resources: Australian Centre for Grief and Bereavement – PH: 1800 642 066 Beyond Blue – PH: 1300 224 636 Swinburne Wellbeing Clinic For Older Adults – PH: 03 9214 3371 Lifeline – PH: 13 11 14

Show notes: Episode #43 Therapeutic Lying - Dos and Don'ts People resort to lying for so many different reasons. Often we lie to avoid punishment or to protect ourselves or someone else. We may also lie to maintain our privacy or to avoid embarrassment. In this episode, the focus is on therapeutic lying, particularly in dementia care. So what exactly is a therapeutic lie? In an aged care setting, it is a lie that is told to a person in care that is deemed to be in their best interest. Therapeutic lying can also mean agreeing with things that are not true to avoid causing someone distress to make them feel safe and comforted. But where do we draw the line between telling the truth and telling a lie? What are the positive aspects? What are the challenges? And are there any alternative strategies? Therapeutic lying has its critics and those who support it. There is no real guidance on the right or wrong way to go about it. We must use our clinical judgement and decide at any given moment do we lie or tell the truth? If we lie, how much do we say? Is it possible to use distraction instead? Teepa Snow, a leading educator on dementia is a big fan of distraction, and also in going along with a person's story if they are distressed. If someone is distressed, as a carer, we don't want to make them feel worse. A case scenario described in the article ‘Therapeutic Lying to Assist People with Dementia in Maintaining Medication Adherence' published in Nursing Ethics, adds some perspective on a situation where therapeutic lying may be used. The scenario is described below: Sam, an 80 year-old man with advanced Alzheimer's disease has recently been admitted to a long term care facility that specialises in caring for people with dementia. During the first nursing assessment, Elizabeth (Sam's wife) tells the nursing team that Sam is often suspicious about taking medication because he usually feels well and also infrequently took medicines during his life. She explains to the charge nurse that Sam's anti-psychotic medications are very important as they ‘determine his daily mood'. Elizabeth, as Sam's primary advocate of care, warns the nursing team that if Sam does not receive the anti-psychotic medication, he will become extremely distressed and potentially violent. In order to successfully maintain adherence to taking his tablets, Elizabeth has told Sam for the last few years that the tablets are for his blood pressure and she strongly insists that all nursing professionals adopt her behaviour and lie therapeutically in order to promote Sam's wellbeing. In this situation, the staff must weigh up the pros and cons of lying versus telling the truth. Will Sam comply if they tell the truth? Does he have a right to refuse? And importantly, what is the best outcome for him and his health? The subject raises many ethical and moral questions. Recent research shows many health practitioners think therapeutic lying can be beneficial. A study conducted by researchers at Newcastle University in the UK found that out of 112 care homes surveyed, 96% admitted to lying to patients with dementia. Further to this, 85% wanted clear guidelines in place on the issue. There is a real opportunity here to include some training and upskilling for carers to help them identify when and if therapeutic lying is in the best interests of their clients. The scenario involving Sam and his medication is one situation, but clients can ask you all sorts of questions that you may not be able to truthfully answer. For example, if you are asked for personal details like where you live, my policy has always been answering the question but using judgement on how much information I give, maybe saying ‘I live in the mountains' rather than mentioning an address. It helps to have scripted responses prepared for common questions so you can answer more skilfully when put on the spot. Another situation could be during a sundowner moment, when your client starts saying, ‘School is over now, Mum is coming to get me.' If we tell the truth in this scenario, our client will likely become agitated and upset. An alternative is to go along with it, saying ‘Oh yes, lets' have a snack while we wait', using distraction as opposed to challenging and problem solving. When working with dementia patients, tackling issues front on can be very difficult and you may find yourself going around in circles. I encourage you to reflect on your own attitude and comfort zone when it comes to therapeutic lying. Personally, I do think there is a place for it in dementia care, however, it needs to be done skilfully, respectfully, and include some elements of distraction. In this episode you will learn: What is therapeutic lying? Why might we use therapeutic lying in dementia care? What are the alternatives to therapeutic lying? Which situations may call for a therapeutic lie or distraction? Why it's important to reflect on your own attitude and comfort zone. Links New Resource - Supporting Elderly Clients With a Reduced Family and Social Network (wisecare.com.au) 20 Strategies to help an older person struggling with changes in late life Mitchell, G (2014) ‘Therapeutic lying to assist people with dementia in maintaining medication adherence', Nursing Ethics, 21(7):844–845. doi: 10.1177/0969733014543886 Cunningham J (2005) Care staff views about telling the absolute truth to people with dementia. PhD thesis Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne.

Show notes: Episode #42 What I learned From Teepa Snow Earlier in the year I was lucky enough to meet Teepa Snow, one of the leading educators on dementia, and attend her half-day workshop. I came away with many valuable new learnings and insights, so in this episode, I am sharing three key takeaways from the day. Teepa hails from the US, and is an occupational therapist with over 40 years of clinical experience. She has developed a world-renowned approach to support and engage people who are experiencing changes in brain function. Her overall mission is to shed a positive light over dementia, and her signature quote is simple, yet powerful: ‘Dementia doesn't rob someone of their dignity; it is our reaction to them that does.' This empowers us all to make a positive difference in the lives of those living with dementia, by noticing how we react to their needs, challenges and limitations. When Teepa visited Australia, she presented a workshop on dementia based on her signature program on positive care. It was fun, engaging and such a privilege to attend. As a researcher and clinician, her journey as an advocate raising awareness and supporting those experiencing brain changes in a positive and respectful way was wonderful to hear. I learned so much during the workshop, however there were three important lessons that really stood out: Lesson 1. Get the audience involved Teepa's presentation goes beyond a hypothetical discussion, extending the learning through interactive role plays that show the perspective of both the caregiver and the person experiencing dementia. This approach really puts you in the moment, allowing you to see firsthand what challenges might look like. The biggest takeaway here was a deeper understanding of what the world looks like for a person with dementia and why we might see certain behaviours. Lesson 2. Know your brain During the workshop, Teepa did a brilliant job of talking about the human brain, explaining how the different lobes work together to ensure normal functioning, while also playing an essential role in specific brain and body functions. In understanding the various roles each part of the brain plays, you can begin to see how even small differences can result in significant changes. This knowledge provides much insight which can be helpful when you are working with someone who is experiencing these changes. While we might not always know which part of their brain is being impacted, knowledge around how the brain works can help us understand which part of the brain it is coming from. For example, the frontal lobes control voluntary movement, speech and intellect, while the prefrontal cortex plays an important role in memory. The lobes in the back of your brain are called the occipital lobes, and they allow you to notice and interpret visual information, as well as control how you process shapes, colours and movement. Parietal lobes are near the centre of your brain where sensory inputs are integrated so that you can understand your environment and the state of your body. Temporal lobes are located near your ears, and they are important in being able to recall words or places you've been, and recognise people, understand language and interpret other people's emotions. The limbic lobe sits deep within your brain and is part of your temporal, parietal and frontal lobes. This is where important parts of your limbic system are found, including the amygdala (best known for regulating your ‘fight or flight' response) and your hippocampus (where you store short-term memories. Finally, the insular lobes sit deep in the temporal, parietal and frontal lobes, processing many sensory inputs. When a change in the brain occurs, the person can be impacted to a point where it can change the perception of where they are, what is going on around them, what is (or isn't) appropriate to do and much more. Lesson 3: Have fun. The final takeaway from Teepa's workshop was to make learning enjoyable and memorable. Life is hard with juggling responsibilities and all the hats that we wear. Taking time out to attend training is a commitment for the participant and a privilege for the presenter. When the learning is fun, it leaves a lasting impression. In this episode you will learn: How to shed a positive light on dementia Why an interactive approach to learning works Why understanding how the brain works is important The importance of making learning fun How to make a positive difference to those experiencing change Links **NEW** Download my brand new resource Supporting Elderly Clients With a Reduced Family and Social Network Live training: Enhancing Emotional Wellbeing in Dementia 20 Strategies to help an older person struggling with changes in late life

Show notes: Episode #41 Dealing With Tricky People In work and life, you are sure to encounter tricky people at times. I have personally experienced people who have different types of attitudes and beliefs to my own, and this has caused friction. I'm sure at times there have been some people who have thought of me as a tricky person to work with too! In this episode I want to talk about the four main types of tricky people you are likely to encounter in the workplace, and share some strategies to help you recognise what is going on so you can address these interpersonal challenges. Conflict at work is a topic that comes up often, whether it is a toxic culture, where there is a lot of criticism and blame. The reality is, to deal with these situations effectively, we need to recognise what is going on, and be able to identify when action needs to be taken, or when we can let things go. So what are some examples of tricky people in an aged care setting? Maybe your colleague is lacking motivation and not keen to try new strategies? Some people might take too much ownership, and won't allow you to have your input? This can be very challenging when you are enthusiastic, and need to work as a team, but the other person won't allow your contribution. Others might have personal issues outside of work, and it is impacting their mood and performance? You may or may not know the reason behind this. Sometimes boundaries are beneficial, sometimes having an understanding of what is going on helps. Maybe your issues are with management, in that you feel unsupported, there's not enough time, and they expect too much? Regardless of the situation, it is helpful to remember that you can't be friends with everyone – but you can notice everyone, be friendly to everyone, make room for everyone, cheer on everyone and empathise with everyone. You don't need to be best buddies with everyone, but when you can welcome everyone, acknowledge everyone, and be friendly to everyone, it doesn't cost you anything. When you spread loving kindness, you attract loving kindness. The more we spread that message, loud and clear, the more it will be reciprocated. And when it's not, keep in mind it is not your responsibility how people respond to it. That is beyond your control. Now let's look at the four types of tricky people. 1) Backstabbers: someone who spreads rumours, tries to make themselves look good at others' expense, the person who always complains and acts like it is always someone else's fault What are the consequences of working with a backstabber? Rumours will circulate and they can be damaging. In this case, you need to act on it sooner rather than later, to escalate those concerns. 2) Bullies & tyrants: someone who is always putting you down, can be quite nasty and mean, they may not always pass on critical information, they always want to do it their way. These people can affect your confidence and happiness. If you are being bullied, it can cause you to question yourself. There is power in calling out bullying for what it is and this must also be done as soon as possible. 3) Avoiders and high & mighties: they make you feel inferior, promise the world, but deliver little. Reassure them you like them, not for what they do, but who they are, but if they are not keeping promises, call out the behavior and the impact it has on you, setting time limits on deliverables if required. 4) Compulsive, impulsive & poor communicators: they quickly escalate to arguing point, and always have to win. They may fly off the handle and say inappropriate things. These tricky people may in fact have social anxiety themselves, so it can be helpful to be kind and affirming, and to be friendly with them to encourage more positive interactions. When it comes to the tricky people in our lives, they may not always need to be called out. It is helpful to have strategies that will help you decide what type of behaviour you are prepared to let slip, what type you will not put up with. For example, threatening and damaging behaviour must always be addressed. It is never okay to bully. While toxic cultures can often be improved with better communication, especially when you remember to highlight the positives as well as the negatives. In this episode you will learn: Why working with tricky people is unavoidable How diversity benefits the workplace What are the four main types of tricky people How we can use strategies to address interpersonal challenges When to call out bad behaviour or let it slide. Links: Download FREE Resources Buy A Copy of Beyond the Reluctant Move Book

Show notes: Episode 40 What is Emotional Contagion and How Relevant is it in Aged Care? While I was at Uni, my PhD examined the concept of emotional contagion. But what exactly does this mean? It relates closely to this question I was recently asked by a client: How does the positive attitude of staff influence the atmosphere and world of residents in aged care? When I talk about emotional contagion, not many people can define it, which is understandable as it is not an everyday term. So in this episode I want to explore the meaning and power of emotional contagion, from the impact of your positive attitude in a stressful environment to the real benefits of not taking things personally , and lots in between. In this episode you will learn: The power of emotional contagion How emotional contagion spontaneously spreads The impact of your positive attitude in a stressful environment Strategies to remain psychologically present in your role The real benefits of not taking things personally. It's highly likely you've heard the old saying, ‘misery loves company' and I'm sure you've experienced times where you've felt sad and wanted to listen to sad music. This is something we all do at times. It can also work the other way too, for example, you could be feeling good, then all of a sudden you hear a mournful song out of the blue and it can instantly transform your mood to feeling low. We are exposed to so much information each day, and it is important to understand the impact the information we hear can have on our state of mind. Going back to my PhD, I looked specifically at emotional contagion in the home care sector. I interviewed and surveyed workers who deliver support to older people living independently and found out a lot about their relationships and connections with clients and the impact it has on their wellbeing. It was clear that both positive and negative emotions can impact workers and their clients. While this is a good thing when the emotions are positive, the reality is, not everyone is happy. For those living with chronic health conditions, mobility limitations and loss of independence, it can be very difficult to accept help and support This creates tension and frustration, making it much more difficult for workers to support their clients, which can lead them to try and avoid the negativity altogether. So if you find yourself in this situation, what can you do? Emotional contagion is a form of social contagion that involves the spontaneous spread of emotions and related behaviours. It can happen from one individual to another, or within a large group. Emotions can be shared between people in many ways with most occurring through body language. Mimicry often happens involuntarily, and while it can help you relate to others, it is only one part of emotional contagion – the other is about the feedback. When we mimic the emotion of another, we begin to experience it ourselves. This can be in response to a negative emotion, or to a positive one. It is possible to work around someone who is down without catching their blues. Being psychologically present in your role allows you to draw from your environment to maintain your happiness. Even if you are starting to succumb to negativity, creating positivity in your surroundings can help you feel better. Another effective strategy is to offer positivity to turn the tables, for example by smiling and keeping your voice cheerful. The simple act of smiling can help you feel more positive, and the other person may catch your mood too. If you are working with someone in a negative state, don't take it personally. Keep in mind, you are not responsible for their feelings, and you may not be able to help. If this is the case, it is okay to suggest seeking more help or support – for them or for you. To avoid the trap of negative emotional contagion, we can all be mindful about what we are doing to reflect unhelpful energy, and spread positive emotions instead. Links: Grief and Loss in Late Life Beyond the Reluctant Move book Enhancing Emotional Wellbeing in Late Life Practical Strategies Workshop

Show notes: Episode 39 How I Cope with Workplace Death and Dying A topic that comes up often in my work is death and dying. There's no doubt it can be difficult to talk about and process, and we all have our own way of dealing with grief and finding closure. It is important to find what works best for you, so in this episode I want to share some ideas, strategies and an affirmation that have really helped me. Talking about death with families can be challenging, particularly if they are having a hard time recognising that their loved one is dying. Grief is natural and death does not break the bond of love, but we can never totally prepare for death. Until you experience it, it is impossible to imagine the process after a death. Our professional experience and ability to have the difficult conversations at this time can be a great help. Death in the workplace impacts us too – it can be difficult to remain focused on work and prepare the room for next resident, particularly if you shared a connection with the person who has passed. Sometimes we are there when it happens, other times we may not find out until later. In any case, having processes in place to deal with death and dying are essential. Find what works for you. It's okay to do it your own way, but we all need processes in place to help us cope and find closure. Like the birth of a child, death has its own timing. It can be obvious that it is approaching, or it can come suddenly and be a shock. Even if someone has been in aged care for a long time or have been in poor health, death can still be surprising. Not knowing when your last conversation will be, even when in palliative care, can create a fear of saying goodbye. It is hard to know what advice to give families, as we don't know if the person will live for three days or three months. In any conversations about death and dying, I suggest you avoid starting your sentence with ‘At least …' – it is far more helpful to acknowledge that it is hard. Avoid relatability at this time too, instead, ask what would be helpful right now. Ask if they want to talk about their loved one and show an interest in who they are and what they were like. It is also important at this stage to have a process for managing your own loss and grief, particularly if you knew them personally. However, understand that every death will affect you differently. Some will feel okay, others can come as a surprise. The difference is not so much about the predictability, it is more about your connection to the person and what that relationship meant to you. An affirmation that has changed my view of death and dying, and also my experience of life, is: In my grief, I have changed To me, this expresses that the grief and loss I have experienced in the workplace has changed me. Through my connections with those who are no longer with us, I have learned so much and I am no longer the same person. When someone close to you dies, you have a new normal waiting at the end of your grief. Workplace loss and grief will change you and your routines too. I encourage you to reflect on your own processing of death and dying within work and personally. Identify routines and habits that help you find closure. It may be noticeable to others or quiet things done internally, without the outside world knowing the impact it has on you. Do it your own way. In this episode you will learn: Why it is difficult to have conversations about death and dying Fears that might be holding you back from saying goodbye The one sentence to avoid when talking about the death of a loved one How to process your own grief and loss in the workplace An affirmation that has changed my view about death, dying and life. Links: Grief and Loss in Late Life Beyond the Reluctant Move book Enhancing Emotional Wellbeing in Dementia Workshop

Show notes: Episode 38 Interview with Sue Dawson, Chaplain In this episode I chat with a very special guest, Sue Dawson, who is a chaplain working in a retirement village and residential care facility, and a facilitator of the Wellness Adventure program. After starting her career as a registered nurse, Sue worked as a midwife, before moving into a ministry role as a pastor. Learning was always a passion and this led her to complete a Clinical Pastoral Education course, which opened the door for her to move into a career as a chaplain. After considering a few different pathways, including sports and hospital chaplaincy, she settled on aged care. Sue loves working with older people and has never looked back! Today, Sue works with staff, residents and families within a retirement home and aged care facility. In contrast to a minister who works solely within their congregation, as a chaplain, Sue helps people from all walks of life within her retirement village and residential care facility with their spiritual and emotional wellbeing. Sue is uniquely positioned to help those transitioning from the retirement village into aged care, as well as support their partners who remain in the village, providing a sense of continuity in this time of change. Her early career also gives her an insight into the clinical side, which is beneficial when working with and supporting the RNs within the residential aged care facility. While she thoroughly enjoys the positives of her role, in the last few years the COVID pandemic has proved challenging in many ways. Navigating lockdowns and forced closures has been difficult, and when family members are unable to visit, residents feel isolated and lonely. On top of this, wearing masks all the time is challenging for those with hearing or cognitive difficulties, as they lose essential elements of communication with others. Despite the challenges of the times, Sue has been successfully running our Wellness Adventure program in both the residential care facility and retirement village where she is chaplain, and has had an amazing response. Getting small groups of residents together to share their stories and talk about wellness has been wonderful for all who attend, building a real sense of connection with others. For residential care participants, it is a special event, with invitations sent, tea, coffee and cake served and participant sheets beautifully presented in a folder. Sue finds the ice breakers are a great way to get everyone talking, creating a sense of belonging and connection between residents that is really special to see. In residential care COVID caused a few interruptions, but overall the program has continued on throughout. As a facilitator, Sue loves that the Wellness Adventure program is well-written and resourced, making it easy to plan, deliver and adapt as required. She also loves how much participants learn about each other, and themselves, through sharing. In one retirement village group, some residents who were feeling quite anxious about things received fantastic support from the group, and learned the about importance of reaching out for help. One resident in particular was very depressed at the time, but after connecting with his GP and a psychologist, he is now thriving. Sue and I both agree that the wonderful thing about facilitating the Wellness Adventure program to a group is that you can have a lot more impact than you can through one to one sessions due to time constraints. We finished the interview with some general questions about the best and worst parts of aging, spending a day with someone you admire, and the key elements of living a fulfilled and happy life. Sue's answers are insightful and beautiful, so tune in to find out. In this episode you will learn: The role of a chaplain in aged care and retirement villages How the impact of COVID is felt within aged care The key benefits of our Wellness Adventure program The importance of building connections between older people Sue's tips on living a fulfilled and happy life. Links: Beyond the Reluctant Move book 5 Facts About Me Worksheet Wise Care workshops

Demolition of a Retirement Village: Resident Impact A beautiful retirement village I first visited over a decade ago is going through a significant change. The site is being redeveloped, with the existing single storey villas being knocked down and replaced with high rise apartments. Change is inevitable, nothing is forever. And when change occurs, we all have different coping styles that we may turn to in difficult times. So what does being uprooted mean to the residents and workers? I initially thought everyone would be devastated, but found we all cope differently. The village is very scenic, and many of the residents chose to live her specifically due to the proximity to hospitals, public transport and the city. It also has its own gardens, a pond where ducks visit, and the accommodation is made up of single-storey villas, which suited those who wanted to be on the ground floor. While change is inevitable, it was a huge bombshell that this site was not immune to the mass growth happening in Australia, and around the world. It drove home the fact that you really can't keep living where you are anymore without something around you changing. For the residents of this village, many never thought they would have to move away from the site, or their neighbours, at this stage of their life. Not everyone is completely devastated though. Some residents have implemented an adaptive coping style and have already put their name on the list for an alternative village, or have even moved out. Others have adopted a passive approach, deciding they will not be dealing with it this year, but will wait until next year to act. However, for those who decided to stay and have chosen a passive approach, the change is impacting them now anyway. Some of their neighbours have already left, so on their daily walk they no longer see the same faces. They didn't know they would be facing those changes so rapidly. So, even those who decided not to do anything now, are still being forced to face the issue. I received a Government grant to run a group program at the village to support those who have stayed, and have been delivering an 8-week preventative psychoeducational program on site. The Wellness Adventure program is exactly the same program my licensees deliver to residents and it has been amazing to see it in action and witness the results firsthand. I have seen some really positive outcomes in the participants. They have turned up to the session each week and I can see the benefits in terms of resilience building, problem-solving, coping strategies and self-care. While all are dealing with the same challenge of needing to find a new home in their 80s or 90s, all are processing it quite differently. They are all on different journeys. Spending time with them, being able to hear their stories and learn more about their coping strategies has been wonderful. Not only can I help them, it also helps me to create new programs for other elders and those who support them who are going through similar challenges. The elders from the village who have been coming to the Wellness Adventure program are actually doing okay, despite the significant change they are experiencing. They are coping well. The group has given them an opportunity to debrief and share their experience in a non-judgemental environment. It's not group psychotherapy, it's education. The result has been that attendees are not necessarily needing a referral toa psychologist, as they are finding ways to adapt and cope without that level of support. This can work for others too. If you are able to bring people together in a room where they can share their experience, address their concerns, hear stories, listen without judgement and hear what others are going through, it is really beneficial. It's clear from this example that it's not all doom and gloom. Residents from this village are demonstrating resilience, and leaving the program with newly acquired skills. It shows that you can build resilience in late life, and that we can help and support the elders in our care to improve their outcomes. What you do matters. Look for ways to create opportunities for your clients to discuss concerns, where you can hear them out and show them they are a valuable member of society, and that their voice is being heard. Recognising the individual differences between people is really important to help us understand how to support them best. In this episode you will learn: How everyone copes with change differently What is the impact of a disintegrated support network? Why change is inevitable where we live Ways you can support elders cope with change How the Wellness Adventure program can help. Links: Beyond the Reluctant Move book 5 Facts About Me Worksheet Wise Care workshops

We all have different coping styles, and we've all been exposed to different types of stress in our lives. So how do we understand the coping styles used in late life and what we can do about it? Stress is a normal part of life, and coping is what people do to try and minimise stress. We all find different ways of coping with stress, and managing it, often through trial and error. Even when we are dealing with the same stress (e.g. lockdowns during the pandemic) we all find different ways of coping that we feel will work for us at that time. To understand coping better, it's helpful to break the three styles of coping down in more detail. Active coping involves actively trying to solve the problem to reduce stress. It is where we take action, problem-solve and be proactive, so that we are taking responsibility and taking action to solve the problem straight away. Passive coping is where we feel helpless to deal with stress on our own and rely on others to resolve the situation for us. We feel we can't do it alone and need help. In late life it can often be due to a loss of confidence to address issues, where we rely on someone else to share that mental load. Avoidance in coping is when we are in denial. We may tell ourselves this is not happening, or try and forget it. This is common in late life, for example when changes need to be made, but those steps are not taken, until the problem is much bigger. The most effective form of coping will depend on the nature of the issue presented. For example, does it need to be tackled right now? We can't be actively coping with everything life throws at us, so we do need to pick our battles. In addition to the three types of coping listed above, coping more broadly falls into two categories: adaptive and maladaptive. Both include five main characteristics as outlined below: Key features of adaptive coping: Support: talking about the stress and seeking external help Relaxation: practising meditation and using calming techniques Problem solving: identifying a problem and developing and putting into practice potential solutions to effectively manage it Humour: making light of a stressful situation can keep it in perspective and prevent situation from becoming overwhelming Physical activity: can help people cope with stress and the after effects of traumatic events. Characteristics of maladaptive coping: Escape: avoiding the situation Withdrawing: becoming socially isolated Unhealthy self-soothing activities: e.g. eating too much Excessive self-blame: being overly self-critical Excessive blaming: being overly critical of others. With so many changes in late life, it can be really difficult for an older person, to use coping styles effectively. They can often get really muddled up, and the road ahead can at times seem quite dark and narrow. We can support them through changes, by reminding them they are not alone. Supporting them should not be the sole responsibility of one person, so think about inclusion and involvement, so that others can play an active role. In this episode you will learn: What is coping? The 3 styles of coping explained 5 key features of adaptive coping mechanisms 5 characteristics of maladaptive coping styles Examples of common stressors in late life Links: Enhancing Emotional Wellbeing in Late Life Practical Strategies Workshop Grief and Loss in Late Life Workshop Beyond the Reluctant Move book

How to become a mental health champion At a recent event in Sydney, a presenter, a renowned psychiatrist, said something that struck a chord with me: It's not about the tools, it's about who will take us through them. In other words, it's not about resources – it's about who will use them, how they will use them, and importantly, what happens to the information the resources provide? For example, the ‘5 Facts about Me' resource available on my website is a really powerful tool that allows you to get to know the elders in your care. But once you've used the tool, what do you do with the information? Pop it on their file? What is the process in dealing with the information? The big question is, how will you use what you have learned in your day to day interactions? It's great to have information about how to improve the quality of experience for the elders in your care, however, having the resources and information alone won't enable you to be a mental health champion. It's what you do with the information that really counts. Mental health champions work collaboratively, involving others in the process as needed to help older people identify and achieve their goals. We are never too old to achieve goals, and many of my workshops and resources are centred around helping elders realise what their goals are so they can identify steps to achieving them. When I think about tools for enhancing wellbeing in elders, it's about uncovering the process of taking them from A to B. How do we help them get what they want in their life? How do we help them achieve those goals? The people who help them this process are mental health champions. So, who are they? It's not necessarily someone with a degree or someone specifically employed in a lifestyle or health professional role. A mental health champion can be anyone who is dedicated and committed to improving mental health outcomes in an older person. It could be a carer, nurse, lifestyle personnel, a chaplain, physio, or anyone who uses the information they have gathered from interactions and tools to improve their engagement. So, how can you become a mental health champion? If you are able to use your knowledge and personal attributes to enhance the lifestyle factors of the elders in your life, you are suitable to be a mental health champion, whether you are a family member, friend, allied health professional or any other person in their life. In my experience, some people might do a 2-hour workshop (like my ‘Grief and Loss in Late Life' program) and that might provide them with all they need to be able to recognise what's going on for the older person, and understand when they need to escalate concerns further or access additional support. For others, they might choose to do my 6-hour ‘Enhancing Emotional Wellbeing in Late Life' workshop, to further expand their learning and mental health champion toolkit. In recent times, the pandemic and natural disasters have affected access to many aged care settings. Global events such as wars and climate change have also caused triggers in some. In these times, we also need to understand how we can best support residents when so much is happening. This is not about being unrealistic, or trying to make them happy. Instead, as mental health champions we are looking for ways to improve social connections and minimise the risk of disengagement. Mental health champion moments happen in your day to day interactions with elders. Even if you feel like you have no more time and capacity available, if you are already communicating with clients, you have an opportunity to lead by example in your approach and interactions. You don't need a badge, you just need a commitment to promote the wellbeing of our precious elders. In this episode you will learn: What is a mental health champion? Why are they important in aged care? Who are they? How can you become a mental health champion? Where can you find the tools to support you? Links: Enhancing Emotional Wellbeing in Late Life Practical Strategies Workshop 5 Facts About Me Worksheet Grief and Loss in Late Life Workshop Beyond the Reluctant Move book

What are the signs and steps to psychological support in late life I get a lot of emails from people asking about the signs and steps to psychological support in late life. For example, maybe you've identified that a client or family member needs help, but are unsure of the next step. Or perhaps you're not sure whether support is even necessary. An older person may say they don't need help, even if they do. This age group is the least likely to engage support, often because they don't understand the benefits. So firstly, it's really important to identify the signs that indicate psychological support might be needed. It could be that you notice they are having difficulty adjusting to their environment or are struggling with grief. Changes in their life or in their roles can also play a part. For example, they may have recently gone from living independently to needing care and support. Accepting these big changes in what they are able to do in their daily life is a huge adjustment. Many of these circumstances are unavoidable. What we are looking for is the older person's ability to adapt, both internally and externally. Remember to look for signs in a range of areas, such as emotions, thoughts, behaviours and physical changes. They may feel anger, guilt or sadness, or think life is overwhelming. They may behave differently, avoid activities and want to stay home. A lack of motivation, weight loss or gain and changes in sleep may also be observed. If you do notice signs, how much are they impacting the quality of their life? And where is the line that you draw when you say, okay, we need to do something about this? The rule of thumb is, if the signs have persisted for more than a couple of weeks, we should seek support. The first step is generally to speak to a GP to seek advice and arrange a referral for psychological services. I recommend you do this sooner rather than later. However, if you think there is an imminent risk of harm to themselves, it's essential you act immediately. Things have changed and mental health professionals now realise that it's important to make psychological services accessible, easy and affordable to those in late life, so a lot more travel to visit residents in their home. Telehealth is now accepted as a normal way of delivering services and support, so if an older person has concerns about leaving their home and home visits are not available, it is still possible to get help. There is also a range of supports available that don't require a GP referral such as Swinburne University Wellbeing Clinic for Older Adults. We need to let older people know that it is normal to seek help when it is needed. Support is there and sometimes it's just a phone call away. In this episode you will learn: What are the signs that indicate psychological support is needed? How do you know when you should take the first steps to access support? Where can you access psychological support for those in late life? How can you help if the older person is reluctant to access support? Why educating older people on the benefits of support is important. Links: Lifeline Swinburne University Wellbeing Clinic for Older Adults Australian Centre for Grief and Bereavement Learn more strategies for delivering positive care in my book Beyond the Reluctant Move

Sadness vs. depression What is the difference between sadness and depression? And how do we know if an older person is experiencing one or the other? Firstly, sadness is an emotion, and we all can get sad at times, while depression is a mental health condition. The difference can be seen in terms of persistence of symptoms (how long they have been there) and the level they are affecting the person and their functioning in day to day activities and engagement. There is an overlap between sadness and depression, but it's really important to avoid giving labels to what is going on unless you know the person, and have the qualifications to assess them. It's not uncommon for an older person to deny they are depressed, even when they are displaying symptoms such as feeling low, crying a lot, lacking energy or are struggling to concentrate. In this case, we need to consider, what is the benefit of having that label of depression? Is it helping that person? There is much in modern life that might make people sad – floods, fires, rising costs of living to name a few. No-one is happy about any of this, including older people. We need to remember that sadness is a normal response and emotion to external events that make us upset. However, depression is not just about emotions, there's much more to it than that. We know that for depression and anxiety, the best outcomes are achieved when we take a combined approach of talking to a psychologist, taking medication (if needed) and making changes to lifestyle factors. When it comes to lifestyle, we can all support an older person in this area. You don't need to have a degree or be a health professional. Small acts like taking the older person outside, helping them to engage with others or playing their favourite songs. These acts all make a difference. In general, if symptoms persist constantly for at least two weeks, it is an indicator that depression may be the cause. This includes emotions, thoughts, behaviours and physical symptoms. Emotions may include sadness, irritability and anger. They may feel helpless and hopeless. Thoughts can be frequently self-critical. An older person experiencing depression might also have impaired memory and concentration. We can often jump to the conclusion that this means the person has dementia, but these symptoms exist in depression as well. Depression and memory issues can be reversed if the person gets the support and treatment they need for their depression. Often, a combination of behaviours, emotions, thoughts and physical conditions they have can make them question if they want to keep going. So, how can we help people before they get to that stage? What can we do? We know that lifestyle changes is something we can all help with, and this must happen sooner rather than later. Because otherwise, there comes a point where their physical health declines, and they may never want to get out of bed. It's then really hard to re-engage them after this point. You don't need to be a psychologist to encourage an older person to engage with others and enjoy nature. Avoid jumping to conclusions and labelling if you are not qualified, instead focus on giving them hope that things can improve, even though their health and care needs are changing. In this episode you will learn: How can you tell the difference between sadness and depression? What are the symptoms of depression? Are the symptoms of depression different in an older person? What can you do for an older person who is experiencing depression? Why must we do something sooner rather than later? Links: Enhancing Emotional Wellbeing in Late Life Practical Strategies Workshop 5 Facts About Me Worksheet Beyond the Reluctant Move book

Loneliness and isolation are common in late life and two terms used interchangeably, yet there are not the same. Sometimes loneliness and isolation are normalised as part of ageing, and more recently with the pandemic and restrictions associated with COVID-19, isolation is attributed to minimising the risk of infection and spread of the virus. So, how do we define them? Broadly, the difference between the two terms sits in subjectiveness versus objectiveness. What do we mean but that? Loneliness is subjective and can be social and emotional. It is about how the person perceives their relationships with others and if their emotional needs are met. What type of relationship does the person have with their children, neighbours and friends? Isolation on the other hand is objective. The relationships with others may be there but the individual may not be reaching out and connecting with others. Perhaps the family lives in another town, state or overseas, perhaps they have friends but can no longer visit them since they stopped driving or the older person has moved into a new environment and can no longer organise social activities independently. In this episode you will learn: - How we define isolation, particularly during a pandemic - How we define loneliness and why it is a feature in late life - Strategies to boost engagement for older adults - The impact of COVID-19 on engagement and wellbeing in late life Links Buy my book "Beyond the Reluctant Move" Find out about my Courses Download my popular Resources

Working in aged care is rewarding but can also be challenging. The last two years have been particularly difficult with increased work demands. In this episode we discuss the importance of examining this topic, organisational support and involving the workforce in the quality and improvement process.

Working in aged care is rewarding but can also be challenging. The last two years have been particularly difficult with increased work demands. In this episode we discuss the importance of examining this topic, organisational support and involving the workforce in the quality and improvement process. Links Buy my book "Beyond the Reluctant Move" Find out about my Courses Download my popular Resources

In this episode we discuss the challenges of experiencing client turnover in aged care. We will cover communication styles, resilience building activities and the importance of self-care strategies.

In this episode we discuss the challenges of experiencing client turnover in aged care. We will cover communication styles, resilience building activities and the importance of self-care strategies. Links Buy my book "Beyond the Reluctant Move" Find out about my Courses Download my popular Resources

If you are supporting an older person chances are they have experienced a loss. It may be necessarily be the loss of a loved one, it could the loss of independence, value, role and meaning. In this episode we discuss strategies how to support clients with multiple losses. Links Buy my book "Beyond the Reluctant Move" Find out about my Courses Download my popular Resources

If you are supporting an older person chances are they have experienced a loss. It may be necessarily be the loss of a loved one, it could the loss of independence, value, role and meaning. In this episode we discuss strategies how to support clients with multiple losses.

Professionally most of us are okay in discussing grief with our clients. However, when we are affected by workplace grief ourselves we may find it difficult to know what is okay to say or do. In this episode we discuss how we as professionals cope when a client passes away and strategies we can develop to help us through this journey. Links Buy my book "Beyond the Reluctant Move" Find out about my Courses Download my popular Resources

Professionally most of us are okay in discussing grief with our clients. However, when we are affected by workplace grief ourselves we may find it difficult to know what is okay to say or do. In this episode we discuss how we as professionals cope when a client passes away and strategies we can develop to help us through this journey.

Grief is commonly misunderstood, perceived to be a mental health condition and something which can make many people uncomfortable. In this episode we explore grief - what it is and how it impacts the elderly. In late life grief is not always associated with the loss of a loved one or fear of one's own death. The accumulative effect of grief is explored and strategies offered to assist those who support our elderly members of the community. Links Buy my book "Beyond the Reluctant Move" Find out about my Courses Download my popular Resources

Grief is commonly misunderstood, perceived to be a mental health condition and something which can make many people uncomfortable. In this episode we explore grief - what it is and how it impacts the elderly. In late life grief is not always associated with the loss of a loved one or fear of one's own death. The accumulative effect of grief is explored and strategies offered to assist those who support our elderly members of the community.

Working in aged care presents unique challenges as workplace is often the older person's home, either privately owned or in residential care. In this episode we discuss the impact of remote work and why maintaining professional boundaries is important - it protects the worker and the client. Being present both physically and psychologically is important for those who work in aged care and having a heavy workload can lead to stress and burnout. Learn the importance of rapport building and engagement and how it differs from oversharing and breaching professional boundaries. Links Buy my book "Beyond the Reluctant Move" Find out about my Courses Download my popular Resources

Working in aged care presents unique challenges as workplace is often the older person's home, either privately owned or in residential care.In this episode we discuss the impact of remote work and why maintaining professional boundaries is important - it protects the worker and the client. Being present both physically and psychologically is important for those who work in aged care and having a heavy workload can lead to stress and burnout.Learn the importance of rapport building and engagement and how it differs from oversharing and breaching professional boundaries.This episode is proudly brought to you by Enhancing Emotional Wellbeing in Late Life: industry endorsed and self-paced workshop for those who support the elders. Find out more from https://www.wisecare.com.au/enhancing-emotional-wellbeingYou can also follow Dr. Julie Bajic Smith on Facebook and Instagram @wisecareauThis podcast episode was edited and produced by Perk Digital.

In this episode Dr Julie is in the Hot Seat as we get to know the host. We welcome back to the show Maurie Voisey-Barlin who is interviewing Julie. Maurie and Julie discuss Julie's background, including her upbringing in Bosnia and then New Zealand, and doing her university study in Australia. Julie shares how moving to a new country where she didn't speak English at the age of 11 has impacted her interest in communication and connection, as well as the special connection she had with older people from a young age. Maurie and Julie then discuss why she decided to focus on Aged Care, when and how WiseCare started and all about her research and work first with 1:1 psychology and now in the mentoring and training of the Aged Care Workforce. They cover the potential for growth and thriving in Aged Care, how to deal with and give families the right support, as well as empowering workers in Aged Care to both support the needs but also have a strengths-based approach to the residents, plus much more. Finally, Julie shares some of the biggest lessons and biggest wins from her time working in this industry, as well as her goals and what's next for Julie and WiseCare. Links Buy my book "Beyond the Reluctant Move" Find out about my Courses Download my popular Resources

In this episode Dr Julie is in the Hot Seat as we get to know the host. We welcome back to the show Maurie Voisey-Barlin who is interviewing Julie. Maurie and Julie discuss Julie’s background, including her upbringing in Bosnia and then New Zealand, and doing her university study in Australia.Julie shares how moving to a new country where she didn’t speak English at the age of 11 has impacted her interest in communication and connection, as well as the special connection she had with older people from a young age.Maurie and Julie then discuss why she decided to focus on Aged Care, when and how WiseCare started and all about her research and work first with 1:1 psychology and now in the mentoring and training of the Aged Care Workforce.They cover the potential for growth and thriving in Aged Care, how to deal with and give families the right support, as well as empowering workers in Aged Care to both support the needs but also have a strengths-based approach to the residents, plus much more.Finally, Julie shares some of the biggest lessons and biggest wins from her time working in this industry, as well as her goals and what’s next for Julie and WiseCare.This is the final episode in Season 2 of the Voice of Aged Care Podcast. We’ll be back in 2021!This episode is proudly brought to you by the Beyond Reluctant Move book: practical approach to wellbeing in Residential Aged Care Facilities. Let’s together beat the myth that depression and dementia are a normal part of ageing. Grab a copy today from wisecare.com.auYou can also follow Dr. Julie Bajic Smith on Facebook and Instagram @wisecareauThis podcast episode was edited and produced by Perk Digital.

Julie speaks with experienced Clinical Nurse Consultant, Kelly Arthurs, a Registered Nurse who specialises in Palliative Care. It's a very important topic that is often not discussed openly in Aged Care because people don't know how to ask the right questions or what to say or do, and Kelly has great insights to share. Kelly explains what Palliative Care is, including the 5 phases of Palliative Care, because it's something people often are confused about. She shares a bit about her background and what inspired her to specialise in Palliative Care, as well as about the Hammond Care Centre for Learning and Research in Palliative Care. Julie and Kelly discuss how people working in Aged Care can connect with their local Palliative Care unit, as well as some resources for families or staff to use. Kelly also emphasises the power of information to equip staff and families with the knowledge of what death and dying looks like and how to make it a beautiful time for families. Kelly shares some tools to use, including the ‘surprise' question, and why we need to take the opportunity to plan for good deaths even though it might be scary or hard to talk about. Finally, Julie and Kelly discuss lifting the profile and advocating for the field of Palliative Care, and some top tips for those to support clients in Palliative Care. Some resources from this episode: Hammond Care Centre for Learning and Research in Palliative Care: https://www.hammond.com.au/services/palliative-centre Palliative Care Bridge: http://www.palliativecarebridge.com.au Free ‘Dying2Learn' course from Flinders University and Caresearch https://www.caresearch.com.au/caresearch/tabid/2868/Default.aspx ‘Let's Talk About Dying' TED Talk by Dr. Peter Saul: https://www.ted.com/talks/peter_saul_let_s_talk_about_dying ‘Love is not enough' video from Advanced Care Planning Australia: http://www.advancecareplanning.org.au/resources/love-is-not-enough Dr. Kathryn Mannix ‘In My Humble Opinion' video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CruBRZh8quc This episode is proudly brought to you by the Enhancing Emotional Wellbeing in late life workshop. This essential training is for anyone supporting older adults, seeking practical strategies to reduce isolation and loneliness, and help older adults make new and exciting as well as fulfilling moments. Find out more today from Wisecare.com.au You can also follow Dr. Julie Bajic Smith on Facebook and Instagram @wisecareau Links Buy my book "Beyond the Reluctant Move" Find out about my Courses Download my popular Resources

Julie speaks with experienced Clinical Nurse Consultant, Kelly Arthurs, a Registered Nurse who specialises in Palliative Care. It’s a very important topic that is often not discussed openly in Aged Care because people don’t know how to ask the right questions or what to say or do, and Kelly has great insights to share.Kelly explains what Palliative Care is, including the 5 phases of Palliative Care, because it’s something people often are confused about. She shares a bit about her background and what inspired her to specialise in Palliative Care, as well as about the Hammond Care Centre for Learning and Research in Palliative Care.Julie and Kelly discuss how people working in Aged Care can connect with their local Palliative Care unit, as well as some resources for families or staff to use. Kelly also emphasises the power of information to equip staff and families with the knowledge of what death and dying looks like and how to make it a beautiful time for families.Kelly shares some tools to use, including the ‘surprise’ question, and why we need to take the opportunity to plan for good deaths even though it might be scary or hard to talk about. Finally, Julie and Kelly discuss lifting the profile and advocating for the field of Palliative Care, and some top tips for those to support clients in Palliative Care.Some resources from this episode:Hammond Care Centre for Learning and Research in Palliative Care: https://www.hammond.com.au/services/palliative-centrePalliative Care Bridge: http://www.palliativecarebridge.com.auFree ‘Dying2Learn’ course from Flinders University and Caresearch https://www.caresearch.com.au/caresearch/tabid/2868/Default.aspx‘Let’s Talk About Dying’ TED Talk by Dr. Peter Saul: https://www.ted.com/talks/peter_saul_let_s_talk_about_dying‘Love is not enough’ video from Advanced Care Planning Australia: http://www.advancecareplanning.org.au/resources/love-is-not-enoughDr. Kathryn Mannix ‘In My Humble Opinion’ video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CruBRZh8qucThis episode is proudly brought to you by the Enhancing Emotional Wellbeing in late life workshop. This essential training is for anyone supporting older adults, seeking practical strategies to reduce isolation and loneliness, and help older adults make new and exciting as well as fulfilling moments. Find out more today from Wisecare.com.auYou can also follow Dr. Julie Bajic Smith on Facebook and Instagram @wisecareauThis podcast episode was edited and produced by Perk Digital.

Julie speaks with Jo Muirhead, a Rehabilitation Consultant and the leader of Purple and Co. Jo tells Julie about her Great Aunt Gwen, a bit about her life story and some of the challenges as she aged and moved into care, as well as why she was so influential in Jo's life. Jo also explores some of the stereotypes about older people being grumpy, judgemental and technologically challenged, and how Great Aunt Gwen defied those ideas. Julie and Jo then discuss some of the reasons why more health care professionals aren't working in Aged Care, as well as some of the misunderstandings that health care professionals often have about accessibility and engagement issues for that Aged Care population. Jo shares some of her experiences with the fact that all health professionals are always rushed and under-resourced, and how this is a barrier to client-centred focus, but an even bigger challenge in the Aged Care industry. Jo and Julie cover the importance of properly supporting residents and resourcing the care that people need in a way that they can receive it, as well as the sense many health care workers in Aged Care Facilities have of being isolated. They then discuss the opportunities and challenges of self-promotion and social media PR as a health care professional, and how to get the word out that depression and dementia is not a normal part of ageing. Julie and Jo finish their conversation discussing Jo's health journey and how she's advocated for herself as a patient and also for her mother as a resident in a Facility too. Find out more about Jo at https://jomuirhead.com/ or on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/jo.muirhead/ Links Buy my book "Beyond the Reluctant Move" Find out about my Courses Download my popular Resources

Julie speaks with Jo Muirhead, a Rehabilitation Consultant and the leader of Purple and Co. Jo tells Julie about her Great Aunt Gwen, a bit about her life story and some of the challenges as she aged and moved into care, as well as why she was so influential in Jo’s life. Jo also explores some of the stereotypes about older people being grumpy, judgemental and technologically challenged, and how Great Aunt Gwen defied those ideas.Julie and Jo then discuss some of the reasons why more health care professionals aren’t working in Aged Care, as well as some of the misunderstandings that health care professionals often have about accessibility and engagement issues for that Aged Care population. Jo shares some of her experiences with the fact that all health professionals are always rushed and under-resourced, and how this is a barrier to client-centred focus, but an even bigger challenge in the Aged Care industry.Jo and Julie cover the importance of properly supporting residents and resourcing the care that people need in a way that they can receive it, as well as the sense many health care workers in Aged Care Facilities have of being isolated.They then discuss the opportunities and challenges of self-promotion and social media PR as a health care professional, and how to get the word out that depression and dementia is not a normal part of ageing. Julie and Jo finish their conversation discussing Jo’s health journey and how she’s advocated for herself as a patient and also for her mother as a resident in a Facility too.Find out more about Jo at https://jomuirhead.com/ or on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/jo.muirhead/This episode is proudly brought to you by the Beyond Reluctant Move book: practical approach to wellbeing in Residential Aged Care Facilities. Let’s together beat the myth that depression and dementia are a normal part of ageing. Grab a copy today from wisecare.com.auYou can also follow Dr. Julie Bajic Smith on Facebook and Instagram @wisecareauThis podcast episode was edited and produced by Perk Digital.

Julie speaks with Reverend Ron Baker, who is almost 90-years old and lives in a residential aged care facility in Australia. Ron has a wealth of knowledge and experience in a wide range of topics and he has first-hand experience of how COVID19 has impacted those living in residential aged care facilities this year. Ron shares how long he's been in an aged care facility and how the transition was for him when he first moved there. He then tells Julie a bit about his life, his career in ministry and the way he's applying those skills and connecting with other residents in his facility too. Ron explains how he loves studying and researching, as well as how he sees technology both to connect with people but also to continue to feed his fascination for learning. He talks about how he connects with people and engages with residents, including those from non-English speaking backgrounds. Ron also shares about the impact of having residents in his facility pass away and how powerful technology has been for getting a sense of closure and connection through attending funerals via video link. Julie and Ron discuss what people should say when they visit a resident in an aged care facility, how we can incorporate family and the outside world into the locked-down aged care facilities, and the importance of having a readjustment plan for residents coming out of lockdown. Julie and Ron finish their chat discussing the power of gratitude and his positive view of how he believes this pandemic will impact younger generations. This episode is proudly brought to you by the Enhancing Emotional Wellbeing in late life workshop. This essential training is for anyone supporting older adults, seeking practical strategies to reduce isolation and loneliness, and help older adults make new and exciting as well as fulfilling moments. Links Buy my book "Beyond the Reluctant Move" Find out about my Courses Download my popular Resources

Julie speaks with Reverend Ron Baker, who is almost 90-years old and lives in a residential aged care facility in Australia. Ron has a wealth of knowledge and experience in a wide range of topics and he has first-hand experience of how COVID19 has impacted those living in residential aged care facilities this year.Ron shares how long he’s been in an aged care facility and how the transition was for him when he first moved there. He then tells Julie a bit about his life, his career in ministry and the way he’s applying those skills and connecting with other residents in his facility too.Ron explains how he loves studying and researching, as well as how he sees technology both to connect with people but also to continue to feed his fascination for learning. He talks about how he connects with people and engages with residents, including those from non-English speaking backgrounds.Ron also shares about the impact of having residents in his facility pass away and how powerful technology has been for getting a sense of closure and connection through attending funerals via video link.Julie and Ron discuss what people should say when they visit a resident in an aged care facility, how we can incorporate family and the outside world into the locked-down aged care facilities, and the importance of having a readjustment plan for residents coming out of lockdown.Julie and Ron finish their chat discussing the power of gratitude and his positive view of how he believes this pandemic will impact younger generations.This episode is proudly brought to you by the Enhancing Emotional Wellbeing in late life workshop. This essential training is for anyone supporting older adults, seeking practical strategies to reduce isolation and loneliness, and help older adults make new and exciting as well as fulfilling moments. Find out more today from Wisecare.com.auYou can also follow Dr. Julie Bajic Smith on Facebook and Instagram @wisecareauThis podcast episode was edited and produced by Perk Digital.

Julie speaks with Donna Valantis, a Diversional Therapist who works as a Leisure and Lifestyle Coordinator. Donna tells us about her background and how she became involved in the Aged Care industry. Julie and Donna discuss what Diversional Therapists do, and the differences between a Diversional Therapist, Leisure and Lifestyle Coordinator and a Recreational Activities Officer. Donna then explains how Diversional Therapy works, the types of activities that could be on offer, as well as the important role of volunteers and the community in these activities. She explains some of the activities volunteers can participate in, the process of becoming a volunteer and benefits for the volunteers as well as the benefits for residents having a variety and combination of these roles and activities. Julie and Donna explore some of the misconceptions many people have about Aged Care, how Donna addresses that and some of the ways Donna and her team support resident having difficulty adjusting to living in an Aged Care facility. Donna and Julie then discuss the impact of COVID-19 restrictions on residents and staff, and some of the many ways technology has been helping. Finally, Donna tells us the three things she'd like to see change in the Aged Care industry if she had a magic wand. Links Buy my book "Beyond the Reluctant Move" Find out about my Courses Download my popular Resources

Julie speaks with Donna Valantis, a Diversional Therapist who works as a Leisure and Lifestyle Coordinator. Donna tells us about her background and how she became involved in the Aged Care industry.Julie and Donna discuss what Diversional Therapists do, and the differences between a Diversional Therapist, Leisure and Lifestyle Coordinator and a Recreational Activities Officer.Donna then explains how Diversional Therapy works, the types of activities that could be on offer, as well as the important role of volunteers and the community in these activities. She explains some of the activities volunteers can participate in, the process of becoming a volunteer and benefits for the volunteers as well as the benefits for residents having a variety and combination of these roles and activities.Julie and Donna explore some of the misconceptions many people have about Aged Care, how Donna addresses that and some of the ways Donna and her team support resident having difficulty adjusting to living in an Aged Care facility.Donna and Julie then discuss the impact of COVID-19 restrictions on residents and staff, and some of the many ways technology has been helping. Finally, Donna tells us the three things she’d like to see change in the Aged Care industry if she had a magic wand.This episode is proudly brought to you by the Beyond Reluctant Move book: practical approach to wellbeing in Residential Aged Care Facilities. Let’s together beat the myth that depression and dementia are a normal part of ageing. Grab a copy today from wisecare.com.auYou can also follow Dr. Julie Bajic Smith on Facebook and Instagram @wisecareauThis podcast episode was edited and produced by Perk Digital.

Julie speaks with Professor Sunil Bhar about the Swinburne National Telehealth Counselling and Support Service for Aged Care. Sunil tells us about his background in private practice and research, as well as what inspired him to focus on Aged Care, both working with older people and in helping to train the workforce that is sensitive to the needs of older adults. Julie and Sunil discuss why it's important to be training and up-skilling psychologists to work in Aged Care, why many of the tools in psychology for other populations are not appropriate for Aged Care and the more specific measures that have be developed in the last decade that are specific to this older population. They also cover the various reasons it can be more difficult to screen Aged Care residents for mental health conditions. Sunil then explains the Telehealth Counselling program through Swinburn University, including who it's for, how it works and how people can get access to it. Julie and Sunil also explore the benefits for those receiving services through Telehealth. They finish their conversation discussing reminiscence and life review therapy, and the progress we are making both as an industry and a society in recognising the emotional needs of older adults. For more information about the Swinburne National Telehealth Counselling go to www.swin.edu.au/telehealthcounselling Links Buy my book "Beyond the Reluctant Move" Find out about my Courses Download my popular Resources

Julie speaks with Professor Sunil Bhar about the Swinburne National Telehealth Counselling and Support Service for Aged Care. Sunil tells us about his background in private practice and research, as well as what inspired him to focus on Aged Care, both working with older people and in helping to train the workforce that is sensitive to the needs of older adults.Julie and Sunil discuss why it’s important to be training and up-skilling psychologists to work in Aged Care, why many of the tools in psychology for other populations are not appropriate for Aged Care and the more specific measures that have be developed in the last decade that are specific to this older population.They also cover the various reasons it can be more difficult to screen Aged Care residents for mental health conditions.Sunil then explains the Telehealth Counselling program through Swinburn University, including who it’s for, how it works and how people can get access to it. Julie and Sunil also explore the benefits for those receiving services through Telehealth.They finish their conversation discussing reminiscence and life review therapy, and the progress we are making both as an industry and a society in recognising the emotional needs of older adults.For more information about the Swinburne National Telehealth Counselling go to www.swin.edu.au/telehealthcounsellingGo to wisecare.com.au for more information and your free resources on supporting the wellbeing of older adults, including the book Beyond the Reluctant Move.You can also follow Dr. Julie Bajic Smith on Facebook and Instagram @wisecareauThis podcast episode was edited and produced by Perk Digital.

In this episode, Julie speaks with Maurie Voisey-Barlin, a Creative Engagement Specialist. Maurie and Julie discuss the role of Creative Therapeutic Engagement Specialists, what he does with older adults and how he has been supporting his peers and clients during COVID. Maurie explains why many lifestyle specialists get frustrated when the document that matters most is scantily filled out, and how his role is to unearth the goldmine of information that families don't realise they have. He also shares the story of a powerful breakthrough he had with an Aged Care resident that he worked with. Maurie then tells Julie about the Outside In Collective, why mentoring his peers is so important and what inspired him to do that, as well as how his background as an actor helps with the work of a Creative Engaegement Specialist. They finish their chat discussing Window Therapy and why it's so effective, what Maurie would like to see happen in Aged Care Facilities, as well as the importance of managing the psychosocial health of residents in Aged Care during the COVID crisis. Connect with Maurie via LinkedIn or on the Outside In Collective Facebook page @outsideincollective Links Buy my book "Beyond the Reluctant Move" Find out about my Courses Download my popular Resources

In this episode, Julie speaks with Maurie Voisey-Barlin, a Creative Engagement Specialist. Maurie and Julie discuss the role of Creative Therapeutic Engagement Specialists, what he does with older adults and how he has been supporting his peers and clients during COVID.Maurie explains why many lifestyle specialists get frustrated when the document that matters most is scantily filled out, and how his role is to unearth the goldmine of information that families don’t realise they have. He also shares the story of a powerful breakthrough he had with an Aged Care resident that he worked with.Maurie then tells Julie about the Outside In Collective, why mentoring his peers is so important and what inspired him to do that, as well as how his background as an actor helps with the work of a Creative Engaegement Specialist.They finish their chat discussing Window Therapy and why it’s so effective, what Maurie would like to see happen in Aged Care Facilities, as well as the importance of managing the psychosocial health of residents in Aged Care during the COVID crisis.Connect with Maurie via LinkedIn or on the Outside In Collective Facebook page @outsideincollectiveThis episode is proudly brought to you by the Enhancing Emotional Wellbeing in late life workshop. This essential training is for anyone supporting older adults, seeking practical strategies to reduce isolation and loneliness, and help older adults make new and exciting as well as fulfilling moments. Find out more today from Wisecare.com.auYou can also follow Dr. Julie Bajic Smith on Facebook and Instagram @wisecareauThis podcast episode was edited and produced by Perk Digital.

Welcome back to the first episode this year after Julie returns from maternity leave to this strange time we're all living with during COVID. Julie will discuss the impact this has had with every guest for the remainder of the year. In this episode Julie speaks with Del Marie McAlister, a leisure and lifestyle consultant who has worked in Aged Care for a long time now. Del also has a background as a chaplain and volunteer coordinator, as well as in grief counselling and freelance journalism so she has many skills to bring to her work. More recently, Del has been working in the Aged Care sector during the pandemic so Julie speaks with her about the impact that has had and how she has been able to bring her skills and expertise to today's world. Del shares a bit about her background and the training she offers leisure and lifestyle personnel, as well as about her books. Julie and Del then discuss the Inspire Magazine and CARE model that the Del has created, how it came about and the benefits it offers. Del also explains the impact COVID has had on the residents she's worked with this year and what they did to find out what the residents wanted and needed to be supported during this time. Julie and Del finish their interview discussing the way changes to activities and digital communication and virtual connection with families has been increasingly important this year and why it needs to continue in the decade to come even when social distancing is no longer required. To connect with Del and get her books and magazine, visit www.delmariemcalister.com Links Buy my book "Beyond the Reluctant Move" Find out about my Courses Download my popular Resources

Welcome back to the first episode this year after Julie returns from maternity leave to this strange time we’re all living with during COVID. Julie will discuss the impact this has had with every guest for the remainder of the year.In this episode Julie speaks with Del Marie McAlister, a leisure and lifestyle consultant who has worked in Aged Care for a long time now. Del also has a background as a chaplain and volunteer coordinator, as well as in grief counselling and freelance journalism so she has many skills to bring to her work.More recently, Del has been working in the Aged Care sector during the pandemic so Julie speaks with her about the impact that has had and how she has been able to bring her skills and expertise to today’s world.Del shares a bit about her background and the training she offers leisure and lifestyle personnel, as well as about her books.Julie and Del then discuss the Inspire Magazine and CARE model that the Del has created, how it came about and the benefits it offers.Del also explains the impact COVID has had on the residents she’s worked with this year and what they did to find out what the residents wanted and needed to be supported during this time.Julie and Del finish their interview discussing the way changes to activities and digital communication and virtual connection with families has been increasingly important this year and why it needs to continue in the decade to come even when social distancing is no longer required.To connect with Del and get her books and magazine, visit www.delmariemcalister.comGo to wisecare.com.au for more information and your free resources on supporting the wellbeing of older adults, including the book Beyond the Reluctant Move.You can also follow Dr. Julie Bajic Smith on Facebook and Instagram @wisecareauThis podcast episode was edited and produced by Perk Digital.

I hope you've enjoyed this first season of the show. I've thoroughly enjoyed bringing all the episodes to you and interviewing a wide range of speakers. You see, we don't often talk about Residential Care because most of Australians live in their own homes. Fact: it's only 5% that live in Residential Aged Care environments. So often this population is forgotten about and we don't necessarily hear positive stories. And my aim was to communicate the various psychosocial benefits that can be delivered to older people whose physical health is declining. I'm taking a little break over the Christmas and New Year holiday period. However, I'm already mapping out the next season of The Voice of Aged Care, which will come out sometime in early 2020. In the meantime, you can catch up on the previous episodes in your favorite podcast app and also connect with me on Facebook and Instagram. Using the handle @wisecareau. Links Buy my book "Beyond the Reluctant Move" Find out about my Courses Download my popular Resources

Julie speaks with Jenny Blok, who has worked as a Chaplain for 12 years and now manages a team of Chaplains and Pastoral Care Volunteers to support older people both in residential settings and in their homes. Jenny shares how she came to work in Aged Care as a Chaplain, as well as what spiritual care is and who it's for. Chaplains provide not only religious care but also other areas of spirituality and connection, such as creativity and gardening. Jenny and Julie discuss the change in standards that has given more responsibilities to chaplains and created greater expectations and challenges, as well as professionalised the role within Aged Care settings. Jenny explains how her team works with residents who are returning to faith and beliefs later in life, as well as those who have culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds and the challenges of that particularly when combined with a residents' dementia. Jenny tells us why it's important for Chaplains to work closely with families and with the whole care team, as well as other religious practitioners. Finally, Jenny shares some tops for listeners who might be looking at organising spiritual care for their family member who has moved into care. Links Buy my book "Beyond the Reluctant Move" Find out about my Courses Download my popular Resources

I hope you've enjoyed this first season of the show. I've thoroughly enjoyed bringing all the episodes to you and interviewing a wide range of speakers. You see, we don't often talk about Residential Care because most of Australians live in their own homes. Fact: it's only 5% that live in Residential Aged Care environments. So often this population is forgotten about and we don't necessarily hear positive stories. And my aim was to communicate the various psychosocial benefits that can be delivered to older people whose physical health is declining. I'm taking a little break over the Christmas and New Year holiday period. However, I'm already mapping out the next season of The Voice of Aged Care, which will come out sometime in early 2020. In the meantime, you can catch up on the previous episodes in your favorite podcast app and also connect with me on Facebook and Instagram. Using the handle @wisecareau. You can also visit my website wisecare.com.au for more information for free resources on supporting well being in older adults. Looking forward to bringing you my book in 2020 and sharing with you even more great information to help support older people in your life. In the meantime I wish you a happy and safe holiday season, and I look forward to the next season of The Voice of Aged Care podcast.

Julie speaks with Jenny Blok, who has worked as a Chaplain for 12 years and now manages a team of Chaplains and Pastoral Care Volunteers to support older people both in residential settings and in their homes. Jenny shares how she came to work in Aged Care as a Chaplain, as well as what spiritual care is and who it’s for. Chaplains provide not only religious care but also other areas of spirituality and connection, such as creativity and gardening.Jenny and Julie discuss the change in standards that has given more responsibilities to chaplains and created greater expectations and challenges, as well as professionalised the role within Aged Care settings. Jenny explains how her team works with residents who are returning to faith and beliefs later in life, as well as those who have culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds and the challenges of that particularly when combined with a residents’ dementia.Jenny tells us why it’s important for Chaplains to work closely with families and with the whole care team, as well as other religious practitioners. Finally, Jenny shares some tops for listeners who might be looking at organising spiritual care for their family member who has moved into care.Go to wisecare.com.au for more information and your free resources on supporting the wellbeing of older adults.You can also follow Dr. Julie Bajic Smith on Facebook and Instagram @wisecareau

In this episode, Julie makes the case for taking care of you as a person who supports older adults in Aged Care. The best outcomes for you, for older people, for families and for management are when we all work together. However, that ultimately comes down to you taking care of yourself and recognising what you may need to do more, or less, of in order to be well. Julie shares her experience when she started working in Aged Care, and why prioritising self-care is so important. She explains how important it is to start the day on a positive note, and some ways to make your self-care activities more realistic, sustainable and related to your other life goals and priorities. Julie explains how taking better care of yourself also involves making sure older adults get the support that they need. Plus, in this episode there are a range of practical suggestions about asking for help and support for you, and for others. Links Buy my book "Beyond the Reluctant Move" Find out about my Courses Download my popular Resources

In this episode, Julie makes the case for taking care of you as a person who supports older adults in Aged Care. The best outcomes for you, for older people, for families and for management are when we all work together. However, that ultimately comes down to you taking care of yourself and recognising what you may need to do more, or less, of in order to be well.Julie shares her experience when she started working in Aged Care, and why prioritising self-care is so important. She explains how important it is to start the day on a positive note, and some ways to make your self-care activities more realistic, sustainable and related to your other life goals and priorities.Julie explains how taking better care of yourself also involves making sure older adults get the support that they need. Plus, in this episode there are a range of practical suggestions about asking for help and support for you, and for others.Go to wisecare.com.au for more information and your free resources on supporting the wellbeing of older adults.You can also follow Dr. Julie Bajic Smith on Facebook and Instagram @wisecareau

Julie speaks with Liz Kraefft, a qualified yoga teacher. Liz and Julie discuss Liz's background and how she got started learning and then teaching yoga. Liz shares how she incorporates relaxation in her yoga sessions and what guided relaxation is. She explains the benefits of guided relaxation practices, and why people often struggle getting started with this practice. Liz and Julie then discuss yoga and mindfulness for older adults, including the importance of trust and managing fear of falls, as well as how mobility challenges can be accommodated using props like chairs to allow people with injuries or mobility issues to still participate. Liz explains what mindfulness and mindful breathing are, and why it's so important to incorporate it in our lives. Liz and Julie finish this interview discussing mindful breathing as a non-drug strategy for dealing with mental health issues, and Liz's tips for incorporating relaxation into residential settings. You can find out more about Liz and her classes on Facebook or at her website https://www.kuringgaiyoga.com.au/ The app she mentions in this episode is Insight Timer, which you can find here https://insighttimer.com/meditation-app Links Buy my book "Beyond the Reluctant Move" Find out about my Courses Download my popular Resources

Julie speaks with Liz Kraefft, a qualified yoga teacher. Liz and Julie discuss Liz’s background and how she got started learning and then teaching yoga. Liz shares how she incorporates relaxation in her yoga sessions and what guided relaxation is. She explains the benefits of guided relaxation practices, and why people often struggle getting started with this practice.Liz and Julie then discuss yoga and mindfulness for older adults, including the importance of trust and managing fear of falls, as well as how mobility challenges can be accommodated using props like chairs to allow people with injuries or mobility issues to still participate.Liz explains what mindfulness and mindful breathing are, and why it’s so important to incorporate it in our lives. Liz and Julie finish this interview discussing mindful breathing as a non-drug strategy for dealing with mental health issues, and Liz’s tips for incorporating relaxation into residential settings.You can find out more about Liz and her classes on Facebook or at her website https://www.kuringgaiyoga.com.au/The app she mentions in this episode is Insight Timer, which you can find here https://insighttimer.com/meditation-appGo to wisecare.com.au for more information and your free resources on supporting the wellbeing of older adults.You can also follow Dr. Julie Bajic Smith on Facebook and Instagram @wisecareau