#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 unpacks some of the key considerations when we are looking for strategies to reduce overwhelm, including self-awareness, identifying triggers, understanding when to escalate concerns and being aware of the supports available.
Lastly, in the ‘what is trending’ section, she shares findings from a longitudinal research study looking at the wellbeing of workers in the healthcare industry.
KEY TOPICS
Self-awareness and triggers [5:40]
Regardless of where you are working day to day, whether you have your own business or are employed in a busy residential setting, it is important to do some sort of self-awareness check-in regularly.
This can be as simple as pausing to consider how you feel and reflect on what’s going on. Lots of people do things in response to stress – for example, stay up late, scrolling social media, then can’t get to sleep. Having a level of self-awareness can help us understand where we are at, so we can be our best and deliver the best service to our clients. Often just by being aware and tweaking our unhealthy lifestyle factors, we can significantly improve how we feel. Being able to identify our triggers can help us stay on track.
Escalating concerns [13:59]
When it comes to escalating concerns, we need to pick our battles. This means being clear on what we can do, what we can delegate and what needs to be escalated.
The tasks that fall within our scope and are part of our role need to be done, and they give us a sense of achievement when done. For those tasks outside of our expertise, understanding what is urgent/optional and learning to delegate is key.
Be transparent, identify where your areas of expertise lie, where you can get support, and be open to receiving support when you need it to avoid burnout.
Understanding supports [19:27]
Understanding what type of supports are available is important. Some workplaces have Employee Assistance Programs (EAP), or you may prefer to see a GP for a referral to a specialist. Other practical strategies involve talking to management, or if you work for yourself, seeking mentoring, or attending a mastermind. Either way, the first step is always to tease apart what is happening so you know what type of support to seek.
What is trending? [21:30]
A research study published by the Medical Journal of Australia in 2023 looked at the wellbeing healthcare workers before and after Covid. Participants of the longitudinal study were surveyed three times over the course of a year and the findings related to stress, PTSD, the impact of wearing masks, burnout and more on the levels of optimism and depression show the impact an outbreak can have on those working within the healthcare industry.
You can read the full report here:
McGuinness SL, Eades O, Grantham KL, Zhong S, Johnson J, Cameron PA, Forbes AB, Fisher JR, Hodgson CL, Kasza J, Kelsall H, Kirkman M, Russell GM, Russo PL, Sim MR, Singh K, Skouteris H, Smith K, Stuart RL, Trauer JM, Udy A, Zoungas S, Leder K. Mental health and wellbeing of health and aged care workers in Australia, May 2021 - June 2022: a longitudinal cohort study. Med J Aust. 2023 May 1;218(8):361-367. doi: 10.5694/mja2.51918. Epub 2023 Apr 9. PMID: 37032118.
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
