#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 workplace, and her intention to address the wider issues impacting aged care workers rather than working with individuals as a psychologist.
Finally, Dr Julie shares some of the results from the recent survey she conducted with her network of subscribers who work within the aged care sector. The survey covered a broad range of themes, from how the industry has recovered since the onset of Covid, to the type of supports aged care employees would like to see in the workplace to reduce stress and improve wellbeing (and so much more).
KEY TOPICS
Why the change? [3:56]
When The Voice of Aged Care podcast started, it was the first Australian podcast focused on issues within the aged care sector, giving a voice to those working in both residential and home care. After 5 years and almost 60 episodes, it feels like the right time to now switch the focus to the wellbeing of aged care workers.
While Employee Assistance Programs (EAP) are available in many workplaces to provide support to workers, the recent survey we conducted shows there is a gap and a need for resources and information to be more widely available to support aged care workers. In this new podcast, So You Work in Aged Care the intention is not to provide support as a psychologist, but rather, to tackle the bigger issues, to help employees process what happens at work and create a healthier work-life balance.
Wellbeing at work [8:53]
Working in aged care, both in home care settings and residential care comes with a unique set of challenges. If you are on the road, working solo, it can feel isolated with no-one to talk to. Residential care on the other hand is a busy environment, with lots of pressures and uncertainty, alongside of the ongoing need to process death and dying.
Support is available via the EAP, which is funded in many workplaces, or if preferred there is the option to see a private practitioner. As a starting point, it’s helpful to consider ways we can reduce stress in the workplace – for example, how we engage with others, learning to say no, learning to delegate, avoiding procrastination, and finding ways to disengage at end of day.
What is trending? [19:02]
In July 2024, we conducted a survey with our audience of aged care workers, to get a feel for what is going on within the industry, and what is impacting wellbeing. The response was overwhelming, covering a broad range of themes.
Some of the insights include that while most of the aged care workforce surveyed are satisfied at work (53%) almost all (93%) said they experience stress. When asked what type of additional supports aged care workers would like to see in their workplace, the common themes were more staff, training programs, psychological support, improved workplace policies and better equipment. Interestingly, only a small number of surveyed workers (30%) were aware of EAP, and even less had actually used it. This service is available not only when you have a problem, but also to discuss strategies, and debrief. Ask your workplace how to access it and share the information with your colleagues, so more of the workforce are aware of the service and can access it when needed.
CONNECT
COMING SOON
Resilient Worker – new workshop coming soon
Our new workshop will cover the burning issues affecting aged care workers today. Head to our website to find out more – Resilient Worker
