• I know she's an elderly wealthy monarch who has lived a rich life, her husband lived to almost 100 and we're in a pandemic but.... that image of the Queen grieving alone at Prince Philip's funeral is 💔. “There are no happy endings. Endings are the saddest part, so just give me a happy middle and a very happy start.” Shel Silverstein
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    I know she's an elderly wealthy monarch who has lived a rich life, her husband lived to almost 100 and we're in a pandemic but.... that image of the Queen grieving alone at Prince Philip's funeral is 💔. “There are no happy endings. Endings are the saddest part, so just give me a happy middle and a very happy start.” Shel Silverstein
  • I am working with several aged care providers implementing the same programs offered here but on a larger scale. It's such a privilege to pioneer mental wellbeing programs in aged care and receive such kind feedback about my work 🙌
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    I am working with several aged care providers implementing the same programs offered here but on a larger scale. It's such a privilege to pioneer mental wellbeing programs in aged care and receive such kind feedback about my work 🙌
  • . Life is too short. Life is too short. Life is too short. Don't complain of growing old. It is a privilege denied to many. Yesterday I found out about the sad passing of a colleague. Someone who made such amazing contribution with her work in aged care. I wish I knew just how sick she was and that the work we were doing together just recently would be her final writing. 💔🌌
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    . Life is too short. Life is too short. Life is too short. Don't complain of growing old. It is a privilege denied to many. Yesterday I found out about the sad passing of a colleague. Someone who made such amazing contribution with her work in aged care. I wish I knew just how sick she was and that the work we were doing together just recently would be her final writing. 💔🌌
  • Following the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety, there are 30 recommendations regarding protecting mental wellbeing of older Australians, which can be groups into four themes: 1. Promoting independence 2. Improving quality of care 3. Accessing mental health services 4. Upskilling the workforce I'm so excited to be helping aged care organisations by delivering capacity building workshops using evidence-based strategies and incorporating e-learning capabilities. Photo by @purzlbaum
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    Following the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety, there are 30 recommendations regarding protecting mental wellbeing of older Australians, which can be groups into four themes: 1. Promoting independence 2. Improving quality of care 3. Accessing mental health services 4. Upskilling the workforce I'm so excited to be helping aged care organisations by delivering capacity building workshops using evidence-based strategies and incorporating e-learning capabilities. Photo by @purzlbaum
  • I was a little bit annoyed when you suggested I get back into knitting. My eyes are not as good as they used to be. I'm critical of myself and any errors I make. It frustrates me seeing my mistakes. But, these scarves will help others and now I can't stop knitting. I want to help others much more willingly and easily than get help myself. What type of psychology is that? Jann, aged 87
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    "I was a little bit annoyed when you suggested I get back into knitting. My eyes are not as good as they used to be. I'm critical of myself and any errors I make. It frustrates me seeing my mistakes. But, these scarves will help others and now I can't stop knitting. I want to help others much more willingly and easily than get help myself. What type of psychology is that?" Jann, aged 87
  • In my experience, Easter has always been the most relaxing holiday in aged care. 🐣 Is it due to the relaxing effects of chocolate*? 🍫 Far less stressful than Christmas and for many less full on than Mother's Day or Father's Day. Hope you all get some down time 💞 * Fun fact Chocolate contains a variety of chemicals some of which make us feel good by boosting our endorphins (those feel good hormones). Chocolate also boosts serotonin levels that help us feel relaxed.
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    In my experience, Easter has always been the most relaxing holiday in aged care. 🐣 Is it due to the relaxing effects of chocolate*? 🍫 Far less stressful than Christmas and for many less full on than Mother's Day or Father's Day. Hope you all get some down time 💞 * Fun fact Chocolate contains a variety of chemicals some of which make us feel good by boosting our endorphins (those feel good hormones). Chocolate also boosts serotonin levels that help us feel relaxed.
  • Reminiscence in Late Life webinar presented at 8pm tonight. ❤👴👵 With most of those who registered opting to watch the recording later I too am opting to switch to daytime webinars. 8 pm sessions will become 8 am sessions 🌙/🌞 With two little kids who often don't sleep through the night it is difficult to work into the night. I preach about work/life balance and am taking a page out of my own book 🤪🙈 Good night all ✨
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    Reminiscence in Late Life webinar presented at 8pm tonight. ❤👴👵 With most of those who registered opting to watch the recording later I too am opting to switch to daytime webinars. 8 pm sessions will become 8 am sessions 🌙/🌞 With two little kids who often don't sleep through the night it is difficult to work into the night. I preach about work/life balance and am taking a page out of my own book 🤪🙈 Good night all ✨
  • Having received great feedback for both of my workshops offered online, I am happy to announce that on-site training is now available but only within NSW and for corporate bookings (where employer organises a group booking for up to 25 staff and provides a venue). All sessions will be delivered live in person with power point presentation, exercises and handouts. I will also have my book available for purchase and a handful of t-shirts of various sizes. A bit of a travelling show which I have not done in years!! 1. Grief and Loss in Late Life Introduction (2 hr session ACWA endorsed) 2. Enhancing Emotional Wellbeing in Late Life (6 hr session ACWA and ACN endorsed) In light of uncertainties with COVID-19, I have decided not to travel interstate for the remainder of the year. With a young family any type of self-isolation would be particularly difficult. Already, I have had several organisations book up the full day workshop for their staff on-site across the state. One provider has booked two x 2 hr. grief and loss session spread across morning and afternoon sessions. If your workplace might be interested in this or if you require more information (brochures etc) please get in touch. ❤👩‍🦳👨‍🦳
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    Having received great feedback for both of my workshops offered online, I am happy to announce that on-site training is now available but only within NSW and for corporate bookings (where employer organises a group booking for up to 25 staff and provides a venue). All sessions will be delivered live in person with power point presentation, exercises and handouts. I will also have my book available for purchase and a handful of t-shirts of various sizes. A bit of a travelling show which I have not done in years!! 1. Grief and Loss in Late Life Introduction (2 hr session ACWA endorsed) 2. Enhancing Emotional Wellbeing in Late Life (6 hr session ACWA and ACN endorsed) In light of uncertainties with COVID-19, I have decided not to travel interstate for the remainder of the year. With a young family any type of self-isolation would be particularly difficult. Already, I have had several organisations book up the full day workshop for their staff on-site across the state. One provider has booked two x 2 hr. grief and loss session spread across morning and afternoon sessions. If your workplace might be interested in this or if you require more information (brochures etc) please get in touch. ❤👩‍🦳👨‍🦳
  • It has been a pretty full on week. Lots to process and much needed time to switch off. Here is what I did for my self-care even when I didn't feel like it 1. PILATES - was so tempted to cancel but left it too late to do that and made myself go. Movement and focus on the breath is so grounding. 2. BUS TRIP - my kids were going bananas at home today so we went on a little bus trip which they both loved. We were out for an hour but it totally made their day, watching their enthusiasm was totally worth it 3. BOUGHT FLOWERS - bought myself a bunch of native flowers which have brightened my home 4. GARDENING - quick session in the garden tidying up flower beds with my toddler kind of helping whilst my baby slept 5. PAINTING- just 30 minutes of painting was so calming even though my talent is questionable. I am ready to put the week behind me and wind down this weekend. What is your go to self-care? 👍🌠
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    It has been a pretty full on week. Lots to process and much needed time to switch off. Here is what I did for my self-care even when I didn't feel like it 1. PILATES - was so tempted to cancel but left it too late to do that and made myself go. Movement and focus on the breath is so grounding. 2. BUS TRIP - my kids were going bananas at home today so we went on a little bus trip which they both loved. We were out for an hour but it totally made their day, watching their enthusiasm was totally worth it 3. BOUGHT FLOWERS - bought myself a bunch of native flowers which have brightened my home 4. GARDENING - quick session in the garden tidying up flower beds with my toddler kind of helping whilst my baby slept 5. PAINTING- just 30 minutes of painting was so calming even though my talent is questionable. I am ready to put the week behind me and wind down this weekend. What is your go to self-care? 👍🌠
  • Just the other day I saw an elderly lady whose health declined rapidly in the last two weeks. She went from being bubbly, active and engaged to non responsive and bed bound. I was quite shocked.  . Working in aged care does not give us any type of linear expectation as to their prognosis of our clients and when they may face death.  . We really do not know when is the last time we will see someone. . They may pass away when we are on leave, or if they have a quick trip to hospital for some minor procedure. . It could happen unexpectedly overnight or it could be a lengthy period involving multidisciplinary team and palliative care. . We don't know.  . And yet client death can affect us, in some instances profoundly. This is common if we had a close bond with the client. It is normal and natural.  . No amount of training will stop us to having emotional responses when someone we knew passes away. But, we can learn what to do when we have those responses.  . Do you have practices in place to deal with Workplace Grief and Loss?
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    Just the other day I saw an elderly lady whose health declined rapidly in the last two weeks. She went from being bubbly, active and engaged to non responsive and bed bound. I was quite shocked.  . Working in aged care does not give us any type of linear expectation as to their prognosis of our clients and when they may face death.  . We really do not know when is the last time we will see someone. . They may pass away when we are on leave, or if they have a quick trip to hospital for some minor procedure. . It could happen unexpectedly overnight or it could be a lengthy period involving multidisciplinary team and palliative care. . We don't know.  . And yet client death can affect us, in some instances profoundly. This is common if we had a close bond with the client. It is normal and natural.  . No amount of training will stop us to having emotional responses when someone we knew passes away. But, we can learn what to do when we have those responses.  . Do you have practices in place to deal with Workplace Grief and Loss?
  • This lovely email came through this morning. I thought it was spam and was going to delete it. I checked with IT and they said it appeared genuine so I called the sender. Wow. What a surprise and honour to be nominated. So much good stuff is happening in ageing at the moment and I am thrilled to live through the change to improve the wellbeing of our elders ❤👩‍🦳👨‍🦳
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    This lovely email came through this morning. I thought it was spam and was going to delete it. I checked with IT and they said it appeared genuine so I called the sender. Wow. What a surprise and honour to be nominated. So much good stuff is happening in ageing at the moment and I am thrilled to live through the change to improve the wellbeing of our elders ❤👩‍🦳👨‍🦳
  • With accreditation from the Australian Community Workers Association (ACWA) and New Zealand Society of Diversional and Recreational Therapists, this new 2hr workshop is proving to be popular at only $69 AUD. It offers 2hrs CPD, participant certificate is issued on completion and a tax receipt issued for claiming Continuing Professional Development at tax time 💯👍[link in bio]
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    With accreditation from the Australian Community Workers Association (ACWA) and New Zealand Society of Diversional and Recreational Therapists, this new 2hr workshop is proving to be popular at only $69 AUD. It offers 2hrs CPD, participant certificate is issued on completion and a tax receipt issued for claiming Continuing Professional Development at tax time 💯👍[link in bio]