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Dr. Julie Bajic Smith

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So You Work in Aged Care

So You Work in Aged Care#74 – Embracing Change: Thriving in Aged Care Through 2024 and BeyondIn this episode of the So You Work in Aged Care podcast, we delve into how embracing change can help you thrive in the ever-evolving landscape of aged care. We'll explore technological advancements, innovative care practices, resilience-building strategies, continuous learning and the importance of a supportive work environment. Listen today to learn: How embracing technological advancements can enhance care and improve efficiency in aged care settings. Which new care approaches and practices are transforming aged care, ensuring better outcomes for residents. Strategies for caregivers to build resilience in the face of change and challenges...2024-12-1119 min

So You Work in Aged Care

So You Work in Aged Care#73 – The Power of Empathy: How Empathy Can Transform CaregivingIn this episode of the So You Work in Aged Care podcast, we discuss the transformative power of empathy in caregiving. Discover how empathy can build stronger connections, improve communication and provide crucial emotional support for both caregivers and residents. I will explore the double-edged nature of empathy – its ability to foster compassionate care and the risk of burnout if not managed properly. Empathy can blur professional boundaries, causing caregiver overextension. Establishing clear boundaries between work and personal life helps maintain balance. Constantly addressing others' emotional needs can build stronger bonds and at the same ti...2024-12-0921 min

So You Work in Aged Care

So You Work in Aged Care#72 – Turning Criticism into Growth: Embracing Negative Feedback with ConfidenceIn this episode of the So You Work in Aged Care podcast, we’re diving into the world of feedback, especially the tricky territory of negative feedback. It can be tough to hear, but it's a goldmine for personal and professional growth. I’m going to share some practical tips on how to handle feedback without letting it get you down. We’ll explore how to take a deep breath, really listen and see the constructive parts of the criticism. It’s all about turning a challenging moment into an opportunity for growth. Join me...2024-12-0421 min

So You Work in Aged Care

So You Work in Aged Care#71 – Mantras for Aged Care Workers: Enhancing Wellbeing on the JobWhether you work in residential or community settings, boosting your own wellbeing on the job is essential. If we rely on others for our wellbeing, we end up with mixed messages. It's vital to listen to our self-talk and reflect on whether it's sending positive or negative energy. What messages are you feeding yourself? Is it ‘I am capable and can handle this’ or ‘I am not good enough and will always fail’? I've had to change my own mantras as my roles evolved, especially when I became a mother.2024-12-0325 min

Your Aged Care Compass

Your Aged Care CompassWhen should my loved one move into aged care?Supporting an older loved one to move from their own home into residential accommodation is a task that often takes an emotional toll on all family members involved. Sometimes the move can be planned, when the older person acknowledges it’s time to make the move. But more often this significant life change happens during a crisis, when there’s been a massive decline in the older person’s health, often after a hospital admission.In a perfect world, we’d all be having these conversations with our older loved ones, well in advance of this sit...2024-12-0239 min

So You Work in Aged Care

So You Work in Aged Care#70 Building Bridges- Trust, Communication, and Boundaries for Better Client Relationships OVERVIEW In this episode of the So You Work in Aged Care podcast we’re discussing how we can achieve better client connection, with a focus on how to build trust, effective communication, setting boundaries and feedback mechanisms. Client connection is something many of us naturally strive to achieve, however, there are times when it can go wrong. For example, sometimes the client is not happy, or sometimes we might not be happy. Sometimes we might feel like we are struggling to form a connection with them, especially if they a...2024-11-2523 min

So You Work in Aged Care

So You Work in Aged Care#69 The Power of Pausing - Embracing Unproductivity for Health, Creativity, and Balance OVERVIEW In this episode of the So You Work in Aged Care podcast we’re talking about the importance of embracing unproductivity. With so much focus these days on getting more done, not just at work but in our personal lives too, it can feel like we don’t have time to stop. But being ‘on’ all the time is not sustainable. Sometimes we just need to slow down and take some time to smell the roses. Being unproductive offers many benefits – to our mental and physical health, our creativity and...2024-11-1822 min

So You Work in Aged Care

So You Work in Aged Care#68 Navigating Stress - Strategies to Overcome Overwhelm and Time Pressure OVERVIEW In this episode of the So You Work in Aged Care podcast, we’re looking at how you can identify what matters most, and why this can be particularly helpful when you are feeling isolated, tired, stressed or overwhelmed. When I ask people what matters most, they will usually respond quickly with something like family, faith, health or similar. And while this may be an honest response, it’s important to go a little deeper and reflect on what it is specifically about our family, faith or health that is...2024-11-1320 min

So You Work in Aged Care

So You Work in Aged Care#67: Balancing the Scales - Addressing Unpaid Care, Stress, and Burnout in Women’s Health Week OVERVIEW In this episode of the So You Work in Aged Care podcast, the focus is on Women’s Health Week as part of our six-part series on community care. This topic is particularly of interest to those working in aged care as the latest research shows that the aged care workforce is made up of approximately 87% women. According to the UN, women do 2.6 times as much unpaid care and domestic work as men. This includes things like childcare, cooking, cleaning, picking up kids from school, taking elderly parents to th...2024-11-1129 min

So You Work in Aged Care

So You Work in Aged Care#66: Mastering Mentorship - Unlocking Benefits, Finding Start Points, and Sustaining Practice OVERVIEW In this episode of the So You Work in Aged Care podcast, the second in our community care series, we look at the topic of mentoring and supervision – what it is, the benefits it offers, where we can find this kind of support and how to maintain it. Mentoring and supervision can support you in your role, both emotionally and in terms of your knowledge and skill set. The guidance might not necessarily come from senior staff or team leaders within your organisation – it can come from a range o...2024-11-0421 min

So You Work in Aged Care

So You Work in Aged Care#65: Breaking the Silence: Building Community in Aged Care Podcast Show Notes – S2 Aged Care Ep 7 PODCAST DETAILS TBC 2024 So You Work in Aged Care Connecting with others OVERVIEW In this episode of the So You Work in Aged Care podcast we discuss isolation and loneliness for aged care workers, and share some strategies and ideas on ways you can connect with similar-minded people in the community sector through shared interests. A topic that often comes up when I speak to workers from within the aged care industry is a sense of...2024-10-3121 min

So You Work in Aged Care

So You Work in Aged Care#64: Why We Neglect Self-Care: Unpacking the Causes and Solutions OVERVIEW In episode 6 of our 6-part series for the So You Work in Aged Care podcast, we discuss the importance of self-care for those working in aged care, and share strategies and tips to help you incorporate wellbeing practices and routines into your day. There are a range of reasons why we may struggle to practise self-care regularly. For some, taking the time to stop and rest is challenging, especially when it feels like we have so much to do. For the empaths among us, we can give so much in ou...2024-10-1525 min

So You Work in Aged Care

So You Work in Aged Care#62: Dealing with Violence and Aggression in the Workplace Podcast Show Notes – S2 Aged Care Ep 4 PODCAST DETAILS 24 September 2024 So You Work in Aged Care Workplace violence and aggression - Episode 4 of 6 OVERVIEW In episode 4 of our 6-part series for the So You Work in Aged Care podcast, we continue to explore the key issues and trends that are impacting the aged care workforce in Australia today. Unfortunately, workplace violence and aggression is something that many who work in our sector are exposed to. It is not always physical...2024-10-0224 min

So You Work in Aged Care

So You Work in Aged Care#63: Speak Up: Navigating Communication Challenges in Aged Care PODCAST DETAILS 1 October 2024 So You Work in Aged Care Communication - Episode 5 of 6 OVERVIEW In episode 5 of our 6-part series for the So You Work in Aged Care podcast, we discuss an important issue within the aged care industry in Australia –communication – and share strategies and tips to help workers improve outcomes and enhance their wellbeing. When I talk to those working within the aged care sector about their challenges, a topic that is almost always raised is communication. If we consider that 93% of our communication is non-ver...2024-09-3027 min

So You Work in Aged Care

So You Work in Aged Care#61: Covid Pandemic - Have We Recovered?Podcast Show Notes – S2 Aged Care Ep 3 PODCAST DETAILS ● 17 September 2024 ● So You Work in Aged Care ● Covid Pandemic: Have We Recovered?- Episode 3 of 6 OVERVIEW In episode 3 of the 6-part series for the So You Work in Aged Care podcast, we continue to explore the burning issues, news and trends affecting the aged care workforce in Australia today. There’s no doubt the Covid pandemic impacted the aged care workforce in a myriad of ways. While the extent of restrictions and lockdowns have somewhat eased, we are still undoubtably living and working with Covid in our midst. So how is this im...2024-09-1721 min

So You Work in Aged Care

So You Work in Aged Care#60: Overworked and Overwhelmed Podcast Show Notes – S2 Aged Care Ep 2 PODCAST DETAILS 10 September 2024 So You Work in Aged Care News and Trends in Aged Care- Episode 2 of 6 OVERVIEW In episode 2 of her 6-part series for the So You Work in Aged Care podcast, Dr Julie continues to explore the news and trends affecting the aged care workforce in Australia. One of the key topics discussed is something that affects far too many in the aged care industry – being overworked and overwhelmed. Dr Julie unpa...2024-09-0925 min

So You Work in Aged Care

So You Work in Aged Care#59: So You Work in Aged Care - Welcome Podcast Show Notes – S2 Aged Care Ep 1 PODCAST DETAILS 5 September 2024 So You Work in Aged Care News and Trends in Aged Care OVERVIEW In this episode, Dr Julie introduces her new podcast, So You Work in Aged Care, explaining the reasons for a shift in focus from the wellbeing of elders to the wellbeing of the aged care workforce, along with some insights on what to expect in future episodes. She also touches on her passion for supporting wellbeing in the workplac...2024-09-0529 min

So You Work in Aged Care

So You Work in Aged Care#58: Psychological input with treatment team in residential careShow notes: Special edition CASE STUDIES Psychological input with treatment team in residential care In this series of podcasts, we are exploring varies topics through case studies – and today we are looking at psychological inputs within the treatment team in aged care. In this episode you will learn: Addressing myths associated with receiving psychological support When someone may require psychological support Case conferencing and collaboration The difference between having an in-house psychologist vs external provider Types of mental health conditions that a psychologist may be able to assist with In...2024-07-3020 min

So You Work in Aged Care

So You Work in Aged Care#57: Intimacy and DementiaShow notes: Special edition CASE STUDIES Intimacy and dementia In this series of podcasts, we are exploring varies topics through case studies – and today we are looking at intimacy and dementia. In this episode you will learn: Rights of elders when it comes to their intimacy needs The impact of dementia on intimacy Safety awareness and the barriers to intimacy in late life. In this episode we’ll look at a case study of a couple and their need for intimacy in a residential care setting, with one o...2024-07-2623 min

So You Work in Aged Care

So You Work in Aged Care#56: Supporting Families of Home Care RecipientsShow notes: Special edition CASE STUDIES Supporting families of home care recipients In this series of podcasts, we are exploring varies topics through case studies – and today we are looking at supporting families of home care recipients. In this episode you will learn: The advantages of working closely with families of home care recipients Difficulties in detecting memory changes in the home environment Ongoing care needs and management of a declining elder Additional support needs for families. In this episode we’ll look at the role of families in term...2024-07-1721 min

So You Work in Aged Care

So You Work in Aged Care#55: Routine Management and ADLsShow notes: Special edition CASE STUDIES Routine management and activities of daily living for care recipients In this series of podcasts we are exploring varies topics through case studies – and in this episode we look at routine management and activities of daily life for care recipients. We will cover: Common time pressures when supporting the elderly Managing the pressures in meeting standards of care The importance of setting up an elder for a successful day The case study we will share is the story of a lady called Carol. Ca...2024-07-1521 min

So You Work in Aged Care

So You Work in Aged Care#54: Helpful Sentence Structure in DementiaShow notes: Special edition CASE STUDIES Episode #2 – Series #2 Helpful sentence structure in dementia In this series of podcasts we are exploring case studies – and in this episode we will look at dementia and sentence structure to improve engagement. We will cover: How to activate our five senses Identifying fear and providing reassurance to those impacted by dementia Differentiating between simple versus complex sentences. The case study we will focus on here involves a lady who we will call Ruth, and she wanted to go home. I will share h...2024-07-1025 min

So You Work in Aged Care

So You Work in Aged Care#53: Supporting Families in Residential CareShow notes: Special edition CASE STUDIES Supporting families in residential care The focus this special six-episode series of the Voice of Aged Care podcast is case studies – real-life stories focused on the topics that impact those of us working within the aged care sector. These topics have all been requested by listeners, and the first that we will discuss is supporting families whose loved ones are living in residential aged care. In this episode we will cover: The importance of respecting families and their unique journeys How to pr...2024-07-0828 min

So You Work in Aged Care

So You Work in Aged Care#52: Improving Your Coping StrategiesShow notes: Episode #52 – Special edition Coping strategies In our 6-part special edition series of the Voice of Aged Care podcast, we are looking at factors associated with wellbeing for those within the aged care workforce – and in this, the sixth and final episode in the series, we discuss helpful versus unhelpful coping strategies for aged care workers. In this episode, you will learn some new helpful coping strategies, discuss how to keep unhelpful strategies at bay, and also uncover how to identify when you need additional help and support. So firstly...2024-03-2523 min

So You Work in Aged Care

So You Work in Aged Care#51: Managing Emotions in Aged CareShow notes: Episode #5 – Special edition Emotions In the fifth episode of our 6-part special edition series of the Voice of Aged Care podcast, we look at emotions – our own emotions and those of others around us. It’s such an important topic, understanding what is going and how we can respond to emotional changes. At times it can feel scary or outside of our experience, so this episode will focus on psychological presence at work and what that means, individual strategies for wellbeing, identifying warning signs that our energy balance needs recalibrati...2024-03-1121 min

So You Work in Aged Care

So You Work in Aged Care#50: Measuring and Boosting Productivity in Aged CareShow notes: Episode #4 – Special edition Productivity In the fourth episode of our 6-part special edition series of the Voice of Aged Care podcast, we look at productivity in aged care – the core elements of productivity, the barriers to productivity, individual strategies for boosting productivity, and some strategies you might use for your team. So what is productivity? And when is it difficult to be productive? Maybe you are procrastinating and putting off something that needs to be done. This can involve perpetuating, side tracking, spending time on social media, and more. At...2024-02-2921 min

So You Work in Aged Care

So You Work in Aged Care#49: Burnout and Working in Aged CareShow notes: Episode #3 – Special edition Burnout and Working in Aged Care In the third episode of our 6-part special edition series of the Voice of Aged Care podcast, we will discuss the impact of burnout on you and the workplace, looking at the differences between stress and burnout, what happens to our brains when we are under stress, how to notice the common thinking traps, as well as some strategies for seeking support for burnout. When it comes to our mental health, it can be tricky to know when we need support. W...2024-02-2029 min

So You Work in Aged Care

So You Work in Aged Care#48: Building Blocks of Resilience in Aged CareShow notes: Episode #2 – Special edition Building Blocks of Resilience in Aged Care In this, the second episode of our 6-part special edition series of the Voice of Aged Care podcast, we will look at how we define resilience, the building blocks of resilience, self-awareness and action, and identifying what matters the most. In previous episodes we have discussed wellbeing in late life and how you can best support your clients in detail – so I wanted to shift the focus onto the factors that influence those who work within aged care, as it can be qu...2024-02-1522 min

So You Work in Aged Care

So You Work in Aged Care#47: Dealing With Change – Coping Strategies for Aged Care WorkersDealing With Change – Coping Strategies for Aged Care Workers In this, the first episode of our 6-part special edition series of the Voice of Aged Care podcast, we discuss change and share coping strategies for aged care workers to best deal with change in the workplace. Over the past few years we have all felt the impacts of change, from global events like COVID and world conflicts, to the far-reaching impacts of the cost of living. Change and uncertainty is affecting many people, and is an inevitable part of our daily lives – nothing stays...2024-02-0620 min

So You Work in Aged Care

So You Work in Aged Care#46: Getting into the IndustryShow 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...2023-09-2921 min

So You Work in Aged Care

So You Work in Aged Care#45: Elder Engagement with Lauretta KaldorDiversional 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 th...2023-09-1437 min

So You Work in Aged Care

So You Work in Aged Care#44 Where and How to Escalate Your ConcernsShow 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 well...2023-07-0320 min

So You Work in Aged Care

So You Work in Aged Care#43 Therapeutic Lying - Dos and Don'tsShow 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...2023-06-2019 min

So You Work in Aged Care

So You Work in Aged Care#42: What I learned from Teepa SnowShow 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...2023-06-0721 min

So You Work in Aged Care

So You Work in Aged Care#41 Dealing With Tricky PeopleShow 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 yo...2023-05-2326 min

So You Work in Aged Care

So You Work in Aged Care#40: What is Emotional Contagion and How Relevant is it in Aged Care?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 w...2023-05-0325 min

So You Work in Aged Care

So You Work in Aged Care#39 How I Cope with Workplace Death and DyingShow 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 h...2023-04-1325 min

So You Work in Aged Care

So You Work in Aged Care#38: Interview with Sue Dawson, ChaplainShow 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...2023-02-1336 min

So You Work in Aged Care

So You Work in Aged Care#37: Demolition of a Retirement Village: Resident ImpactDemolition 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...2022-12-1117 min

So You Work in Aged Care

So You Work in Aged Care#36: What Is Your Coping Style?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...2022-11-2718 min

So You Work in Aged Care

So You Work in Aged Care#35 How to Become a Mental Health ChampionHow 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 elder...2022-11-0221 min

So You Work in Aged Care

So You Work in Aged Care#34 What are the Signs and Steps to Psychological Support in Late Life?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...2022-10-1620 min

So You Work in Aged Care

So You Work in Aged Care#33 Sadness vs. DepressionSadness 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...2022-10-0324 min

So You Work in Aged Care

So You Work in Aged Care#32: Loneliness versus IsolationLoneliness 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 rel...2022-08-0715 min

So You Work in Aged Care

So You Work in Aged CareImproving Aged Care Staff MoraleWorking 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 2022-06-0317 min

So You Work in Aged Care

So You Work in Aged CareStaying Motivated at Work and Dealing with Client TurnoverIn 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 2022-05-0319 min

So You Work in Aged Care

So You Work in Aged Care#29: Supporting Elderly Clients With Multiple LossesIf 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 2022-04-0419 min

So You Work in Aged Care

So You Work in Aged CareGetting Upset When Elderly Client DiesProfessionally 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 2022-03-0319 min

So You Work in Aged Care

So You Work in Aged CareWhy We Need to Tackle Grief in Late LifeGrief 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...2021-08-0122 min

So You Work in Aged Care

So You Work in Aged CareWhy Ethics and Maintaining Professional Boundaries in Aged Care is ImportantWorking 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...2021-07-2921 min

So You Work in Aged Care

So You Work in Aged CareGet to Know the Host - Dr Julie is in the Hot Seat (Interviewed by Maurie Voisey-Barlin)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 disc...2020-12-0743 min

So You Work in Aged Care

So You Work in Aged CareDemystifying Palliative Care, with Kelly ArthursJulie 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 Hammon...2020-11-2335 min

So You Work in Aged Care

So You Work in Aged CareExploring Aged Care, with Jo MuirheadJulie 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...2020-11-0934 min

So You Work in Aged Care

So You Work in Aged CareResident Perspective with Rev. Ron BakerJulie 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 skil...2020-10-2637 min

So You Work in Aged Care

So You Work in Aged CareDiversional Therapy with Donna Valantis 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...2020-10-1234 min

So You Work in Aged Care

So You Work in Aged CareSwinburne National Telehealth Counselling and Support Service for Aged Care with Prof. Sunil BharJulie 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 mo...2020-09-2833 min

So You Work in Aged Care

So You Work in Aged CareBringing Creative Engagement to Residential Care with Maurie Voisey-BarlinIn 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. Ma...2020-09-1450 min

So You Work in Aged Care

So You Work in Aged CareLeisure and Lifestyle, with Del Marie McAlisterWelcome 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. Mo...2020-08-3125 min

So You Work in Aged Care

So You Work in Aged CareMerry Christmas and See You Next SeasonI 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...2019-12-0301 min

So You Work in Aged Care

So You Work in Aged CareThe Role of Spirituality in Late Life with Jenny BlokJulie 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 ex...2019-12-0326 min

So You Work in Aged Care

So You Work in Aged CareTaking Care of YouIn 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...2019-11-2618 min

So You Work in Aged Care

So You Work in Aged CareUnderstanding Guided Relaxation and Mindful Breathing with Liz KraefftJulie 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...2019-11-1930 min

So You Work in Aged Care

So You Work in Aged CareInvolving Resident Families - Discussion With A RelativeJulie discusses the important role of families in helping an older person settle into the Aged Care home, as well as the different ways facilities will involve residents’ families. There are many things that can impact the dynamics of the relationships an older person has with their families, and there are also a number of things that can enhance that to help the resident settle into Aged Care and support them going forwards. In this episode, hear three ways families can play an integral role when their loved one moves into care, and some practical strategies for families to...2019-11-1232 min

So You Work in Aged Care

So You Work in Aged CareMen's Group in Residential Care with Bob CreelmanJulie speaks with Bob Creelman, a qualified chaplain, scientist, engineer and volunteer. Bob has been running Men’s Groups in Aged Care Facilities for over a decade and he shares a bit about his background and how he came to be doing this work. Bob explains some of the challenges for older men in Aged Care, the types of discussions had, how the sessions are structured and what he calls ‘The Miracle of Men’s Group’. Bob also covers how his work was recognised by Positive Living in Aged Care in 2013, and why he’s had such interest f...2019-11-0529 min

So You Work in Aged Care

So You Work in Aged CareDelta Therapy Dog in Residential Care - Insights with Volunteer Trish CarlierJulie speaks with Trish Carlier, a volunteer dog visitor in Aged Care Facilities. Trish volunteers with Delta Society, a not-for-profit organisation that is supported by volunteers and their family pets. Trish explains how she became a volunteer dog visitor and what her visits with Golden Retriever Jazzy to Aged Care Facilities are like. Trish also shares a bit about the process of becoming a volunteer dog visitor, including requirements for the dog as well as requirements for the owner/trainer. Julie and Trish then discuss the physiological and psycho-social benefits of visiting with pets, and Trish shares...2019-10-2930 min

So You Work in Aged Care

So You Work in Aged CareThree Ways to Incorporate Older People's StrengthsJulie discusses the often neglected and forgotten topic of older people’s strengths and why we need to incorporate them into Aged Care contexts. We tend to focus on diagnoses and what the restrictions or physical and cognitive limitations a person has. However, it’s important to take a step back and look at the strengths and capabilities of people so that we can help them maintain those skills, and maybe even learn new skills. Three ways we can work on the strengths of older people and incorporate them into service delivery in meaningful and important ways are by f...2019-10-2222 min

So You Work in Aged Care

So You Work in Aged CareTherapeutic Gardening with Toni SalterJulie speaks with Toni Salter, a qualified horticulturist and recreational activities officer who is also known as The Veggie Lady. Toni shares her journey of using gardening as a kind of therapy in her own life, and how she went from pre-occupation to occupation! Julie and Toni discuss what Nature-Assisted Therapy is and its role in physical and mental rehabilitation, and the benefits as well as the challenges of engaging individuals in in gardening as they age. Toni shares some tips on how to facilitate ongoing Nature-Assisted Therapy in residential Aged Care Facilities, things to consider for staff...2019-10-1531 min

So You Work in Aged Care

So You Work in Aged CareThe Power of ReminiscenceJulie explains the benefits of reminiscence as a powerful non-pharmacological intervention to wellbeing, especially for older adults in aged care environments. Julie shares the main requirements you need to be able to engage with reminiscence—time, interest and listening skills—as well as the other attributes that are good to have such as empathising, attending, relating sensitively, being non-judgmental and not being frightened by the expression of painful emotions. Links Buy my book "Beyond the Reluctant Move" Find out about my Courses Download my popular Resources 2019-10-0821 min

So You Work in Aged Care

So You Work in Aged CareMental Health Condition In Late Life: A Case Study Julie speaks about the importance of discussing mental health in older older adults. Quite often mental health are undetected, undiagnosed and not treated and this goes across the lifespan. In this episode Julie defines what a mental health condition is and shares a case study of an older person who moves into an Aged Care Facility. This case study demonstrates the type of symptoms that this woman had and how she came about to seek psychological support. Julie also explains the support this person receives and highlights the importance of working together with families and staff members to...2019-10-0321 min

So You Work in Aged Care

So You Work in Aged CareThe Benefits of Music Therapy, Joanna Haire Julie speaks with Joanna Haire about her journey to become a Music Therapist and the numerous benefits music therapy offers across the lifespan but especially for the wellbeing of older populations. Joanna explains the difference between Music Therapy and music for entertainment, and a bit about her process for structuring both group and individual sessions. Joanna and Julie discuss the discuss the successes they have seen as a result of Music Therapy in Aged Care and the different reasons Aged Care Facilities would contact a Music Therapist. You can connect with Joanna at www.letthemusicplay.com.au Go...2019-09-2436 min

So You Work in Aged Care

So You Work in Aged CareMental Health and Responsibility Julie speaks about the very important topic of mental health for older people, and the question of who is responsible for the mental health of older people. If a young person is experiencing depression and anxiety, and getting support for their mental health, there is a perception that it is up to the client as to what they do between consultations. Is it the same principle in older people? Listen in to find out. In this episode, Julie also shares about the group program she runs in aged care facilities, and how she is training staff to run the...2019-09-1721 min

So You Work in Aged Care

So You Work in Aged CareThe Love to Live Program, with Michelle Harrison and Mike Thomas Julie speaks with Michelle and Mike, the founders of the Love to Live Program that runs in aged care facilities to entertain residents and that provides a number of others benefits too. Michelle tells us how the program came to be, stemming from a personal story involving her mother-in-law, as well as a bit about how the program runs. Mike and Michelle then share some of the benefits of the Love to Live Program for residents in Aged Care Facilities, and some of the success stories that have come from it. Mike then explains how he and Michelle are...2019-09-1018 min

So You Work in Aged Care

So You Work in Aged CareSpeech Pathology and Aged Care, with Jenny Cole Julie speaks with Jenny Cole about her work as a Speech Pathologist in the Aged Care Sector. Jenny shares what she does and how speech pathology works in the Aged Care setting. Jenny and July discuss the role of Speech Pathology in palliative care, as well as the recent changes that have occurred due to the new standards. Jenny also shares some success stories, and how her work varies across the seasons of the year. You can connect with Jenny via email forestspeechpath@bigpond.com Go to wisecare.com.au for more information and your free guide full...2019-08-1221 min

So You Work in Aged Care

So You Work in Aged CareThe Benefits of Art Therapy, with Roxy Taylor Julie speaks with Roxy Taylor about her journey to become an Art Therapist and why she chose to pursue the career within the Aged Care Sector. Roxy shares how the process unfolds, which residents will take part and why it’s such a valuable and important activity to be offering in Aged Care Facilities. Roxy and Julie discuss the impact of art therapy on residents, including on residents with vision impairment, dementia and other conditions. You can connect with Roxy via email arttherapywithroxy@gmail.com Go to wisecare.com.au for more information and your free guide full of...2019-08-1225 min

So You Work in Aged Care

So You Work in Aged CareWhat is the Voice of Aged Care? Welcome to the first episode of the Voice of Aged Care. This episode covers a bit about the podcast and what information you’ll hear in the upcoming episodes. In this episode, host Dr. Julie Bajic Smith tells you about the podcast and what you will hear in upcoming episodes. She also shares bit about her background, experience and journey to aged care, as well as how she works with residents and staff at aged care facilities, allied health professionals and families of older adults. The Voice of Aged Care will offer you tips and tricks on improving se...2019-07-1912 min