The Truth About Ageing

The podcast theme for September is 'Living Longer, Living Better', so with my own Grandma turning 90 on the 17th September it seemed like the perfect time to sit her down and soak up all her wisdom.
For those who have listened to her previous episodes or who know her personally, her no nonsense approach to life will come as no surprise. Her reminder to not take life too seriously, to trust in the good in others and the importance of family are lessons she's passed down the family for many generations. I hope through this episode that she gets to spread those lessons a little further.
If you want to get in touch with me, please head to www.navigateagedcare.com.au.
You can find me on Facebook @navigateagedcareau or on Instagram @thetruthaboutageing.

Today's episode is part two of my chat with the wonderful Joanna McIlveen! If you haven't already listened in to part one, head back on to episode 49.
In this episode we unpack:

• How to know the difference between normal grief and prolonged grief
• What to do if you are suffering from prolonged grief
• How you can support others to grieve
• What things to say or not say when someone is grieving
• What Jo wishes more people knew about grief and loss

I really hope you enjoy today's episode - I took so much away from this chat and I really hope you do too!
As always you can find me at www.thetruthaboutageing.com.au, on Facebook @thetruthaboutageingpodcast or on Instagram @thetruthaboutageing - see you there!

Whilst the podcast has maintained regular programming... I've had a little bambino! We welcomed our daughter Cecelia into the world on the 15th of March - known as Cece to her friends. She is an absolute delight, but wowee I don't think I've ever been so sleep-deprived! Thankfully I pre-recorded a number of episodes prior to having her, so episodes have stayed regular.
Today is my first ep back behind the mic since having Cece and you might hear from the tone in my voice, I am EXCITED! In today's ep I talk about my aged care journey and how I got to doing the work I am now. I talk a little about my study, volunteering and roles in aged care to date. I love getting to know hosts on other podcasts, so I thought I'd share a little more about myself on today's ep.
I hope you're all having a beautiful week and can't wait to chat again next Wednesday!

Ever been in hospital or had a loved one in hospital and been unclear about what options are available when discharging? Most people want to get home as soon as possible, however may require some additional support before safely & confidently returning home.
In E36 we discussed nine different options and pathways available on discharge from hospital. Please note, the names of these programs may vary across Australia however it does give an indication of the main pathways available.
1. Return Home - suitable for those back to their baseline or needing low levels of additional care that can be provided by family, friends or their Home Care Package
2. Hospital at Home - short term assistance (approx. 2 weeks) at home whilst regaining confidence e.g. shower assistance, physiotherapy, medication management 3. Rehabilitation - intensive in-patient rehabilitation programs (minimum 4 weeks) delivered by a multi-disciplinary team with the goal of the individual returning home 4. Care Hotel - uncommon, but there are some places that offer hospital step-down services staffed by nurses 24/7 for individuals who may no longer be acutely unwell, but need some additional support before returning home 5. Geriatric Evaluation and Management (GEM) Unit - additional multi-disciplinary assessment for the elderly (particularly those with cognitive decline) overseen by a Geriatrician - most commonly used while determining the next suitable step for the individual 6. Transition Care Programme (TCP) - 12 weeks multi-disciplinary care for those who have capacity to return to living independently at home - can be provided in a residential aged care facility or in the individuals home7. Care Awaiting Placement (CAP) - for people that require additional support & may need to move permanently into a residential care facility, however are still deciding where they may go 8. Residential Respite - could be used for short-term additional support or when trialing residential care facilities 9. Permanent Residential Care - moving into an aged care facility permanently, typically for those who require a higher level of care and may not be suitable for rehabilitation programs
As always, please send through any questions! You can do this through the contact page on our website - www.thetruthaboutageing.com.au, on Instagram @thetruthaboutageing or on Facebook @thetruthaboutageingpodcast.

HAPPY FESTIVE SEASON FRIENDS! We are well and truly into the silly season, so this episode is all about how to check in on loved ones over this festive time.
The idea of an annual check-in is a yearly reminder to pause and take stock of how your ageing loved ones are progressing. You might look back on the past 12 months and be impressed at how independent they've been! You might compare to Christmas last year and realise there are quite a few changes in their overall wellbeing.
In today's episode I break down 8 key categories to look out for, probing questions you could use to learn more and what this could potentially be a sign of:

• Personal appearance
• Weight change
• Mobility
• Engagement
• Social/community participation
• Memory/recall
• Medication management
• Home maintenance

For more information on this topic, you can head to www.navigateagedcare.com.au/post/annual-check-in-december-newsletter
As always, you can find me on Facebook @navigateagedcareau or in Instagram @thetruthaboutageing
Happy Festive season!!