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Episode 78: The Emotional Labour, What We Don't Talk About Just because it’s invisible doesn’t mean it’s not exhausting. In this episode, Julie explores the emotional labour behind care, service and wellbeing roles — the quiet, unseen work of listening, absorbing, regulating and showing up with empathy even when depleted. She names the invisible load many people carry and offers grounded strategies to protect emotional energy, honour boundaries and recognise emotional labour as real work with real impact.   What You’ll Gain From This Episode Language to describe the invisible emotional load you carry Deep validation if you feel quietly exhausted or emotionally stretched Practical strategies to protect your emotional energy and set boundaries A reframe of worth, sustainability and the value of emotional labour A reminder that emotional labour is real work deserving respect and care   Inside This Episode Naming the Invisible Load Julie explores the emotional labour behind roles that require empathy, presence and regulation — from care work to customer service, teaching, parenting and committee leadership. She validates the unseen effort of being “on” for others day after day. Why Emotional Labour Is Overlooked A reflection on why emotional labour is often dismissed or ignored: it’s quiet, expected and frequently gendered. Julie shares examples of being asked to absorb more, keep the peace or “just do one more thing” without recognition. The Emotional Toll of Being ‘Always On’ Julie speaks to the quiet exhaustion many professionals feel but struggle to articulate. She differentiates emotional labour from burnout and compassion fatigue, helping listeners understand the unique toll of emotional absorption. Protecting Your Emotional Energy Practical strategies for naming and honouring emotional labour: using clear language in professional settings, advocating for boundaries, decompressing after emotionally demanding work, and encouraging leaders to factor emotional labour into wellbeing policies. Reclaiming Your Worth Julie challenges the idea that emotional labour should be endless or unpaid. She invites listeners to reflect on their own emotional load and shares how naming this work has reshaped her boundaries, expectations and sustainability. Reflection Question What part of your emotional labour goes unseen — and how can you begin to honour it today?   Listen to the Episode Website | Apple | Spotify   Connect with Julie For more resources, visit wisecare.com.au Instagram & Facebook: @drjuliebajic

Episode 77: Owning Change with Clarity and Courage Transitions aren’t detours. They’re the path. In this episode, Julie explores what it means to navigate change with clarity, courage and compassion. Drawing from her own lived transitions — evolving beyond aged care, reshaping Wise Care, and balancing family, leadership and committee roles — she offers a grounded, human perspective on identity shifts and the emotional complexity of growth. This conversation reframes transitions as essential pathways to deeper alignment, not disruptions to be feared.   What You’ll Gain From This Episode A fresh lens on transitions as growth rather than instability Real stories of lived transition and professional reinvention Tools for navigating identity shifts with grace and emotional steadiness Permission to lead others even while evolving yourself An invitation to embrace your own “Transition Queen” energy   Inside This Episode Seeing Transitions as Growth Julie reframes transitions — career pivots, parenting shifts, role changes — as meaningful pathways rather than detours. She reflects on how change often arrives without a manual, but not without purpose. The Disorientation of Identity Shifts Julie explores why transitions feel emotionally complex, especially when identity is tied to a role or sector. She shares moments of uncertainty while closing legacy streams and reshaping Wise Care’s direction. Leading While Evolving A reflection on supporting others through change while still navigating your own. Julie discusses the power of honesty, presence and emotional safety in leadership — and why perfection isn’t required. Tools for Navigating Change Practical strategies for managing identity shifts: journaling emotional changes, naming what’s ending and emerging, creating space for new roles, and reframing uncertainty as creative tension. Claiming Your Transition Queen Energy Julie invites listeners to recognise their own capacity to guide, adapt and rise through change. She shares how embracing this identity has strengthened her ability to support others with clarity and compassion.   Reflection Question What transition are you resisting — and what might happen if you embraced it?   Listen to the Episode Website | Apple | Spotify   Connect with Julie For more resources, visit wisecare.com.au Instagram & Facebook: @drjuliebajic

Episode 76: From Sector‑Specific to Human‑Centric Emotional safety isn’t sector‑bound. It’s soul‑bound. In this episode, Julie explores emotional safety as a universal human need — not just a workplace concept. She reflects on how emotional safety shows up (or breaks down) in everyday life: on the roads, in shops, at home, in schools, and across care and corporate environments. This conversation reframes emotional safety as something essential to wellbeing, connection and decision‑making, no matter your role or sector.   What You’ll Gain From This Episode A deeper understanding of emotional safety beyond the workplace Insight into rising emotional tension and reactivity in society Practical strategies to protect your emotional boundaries A reminder to trust your gut instinct and inner voice Tools for creating emotionally safe spaces for yourself and others   Inside This Episode Emotional Safety Everywhere Julie reflects on the growing emotional tension in daily life — road rage, short tempers, reactive behaviour — and why emotional safety has become a daily necessity rather than a workplace luxury. What Emotional Safety Really Means A clear, human‑centred definition of emotional safety and how it applies across contexts: aged care, corporate teams, parenting, committee work and community settings. Julie shares examples of emotionally unsafe environments and their impact. Why We’re So Reactive Right Now Julie explores the psychological drivers behind increased aggression and disconnection, including societal fatigue, economic pressure and overstimulation. She validates listeners who feel overwhelmed or emotionally raw. The Power of Gut Instinct A reflection on intuition as an early warning system for emotional safety. Julie discusses how we’ve learned to override our inner voice — and why tuning back in is essential for boundaries, decisions and wellbeing. Creating Emotionally Safe Spaces Practical strategies for fostering emotional safety even in challenging environments: micro‑boundaries, emotional regulation tools, listening, validation and presence. Julie offers guidance for parents, leaders, carers and colleagues.   Reflection Question Where in your life do you feel emotionally unsafe — and what would it take to change that?   Listen to the Episode Website | Apple | Spotify   Supporting the People Who Support Others (Free Audio)  A 10‑minute reflection for leaders navigating complex work Learn More   Connect with Julie For more resources, visit wisecare.com.au Instagram & Facebook: @drjuliebajic

Episode 75: Why I’m Moving Forward Without Letting Go Legacy isn’t what you leave behind — it’s what you carry forward. In this reflective episode, Julie shares the emotional and professional journey of expanding beyond aged care. She explores the tension between loyalty and evolution, the fear of stepping outside a familiar sector, and the courage required to honour your legacy while embracing new possibilities. This conversation offers grounded psychological insight into reinvention, boundaries, worth and the quiet transitions that reshape how we show up in our work and lives.   What You’ll Gain From This Episode A deeper understanding of professional reinvention and identity shifts Validation for feeling undervalued or stretched in care‑based roles Permission to evolve without abandoning your roots A reframe of worth, boundaries and sustainability in service professions A fresh perspective on legacy, impact and expansion   Inside This Episode Opening Reflection Julie reflects on how aged care shaped her identity and why expanding beyond it felt both necessary and emotionally complex. The Call to Expand Unexpected invitations from corporate, community and wellbeing sectors revealed that emotional safety and burnout support are needed everywhere — not just in aged care. The Pain of Being Undervalued Julie speaks candidly about the emotional and financial toll of being asked to work for free, and validates listeners who’ve felt unseen or stretched beyond sustainability. Choosing to Survive and Thrive She shares the decision to realign Wise Care’s direction and step into a broader, more sustainable professional identity. What This Series Will Offer A preview of upcoming themes: transitions, emotional safety, burnout, invisible labour, legacy and reinvention.   Reflection Question What part of your legacy are you ready to carry forward — and what are you ready to leave behind?   Listen to the Episode Website | Apple | Spotify   Connect with Julie For more resources, visit wisecare.com.au Instagram & Facebook: @drjuliebajic

In 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, ensuring sustained wellbeing and performance. The importance of continuous learning and skill development to stay ahead in the evolving aged care landscape. How a supportive and positive work culture helps caregivers thrive amidst changes and uncertainties. Embracing change is not just about surviving but thriving in an ever-evolving environment. By adapting to new technologies, adopting innovative practices and continuously learning, you can ensure the best outcomes for both yourself, and those you care for. Remember, a positive and supportive work environment is key to navigating changes smoothly. Embrace these changes with confidence and resilience, and you’ll find yourself thriving in your role.   Click below for Episode 74: Embracing Change Website | Apple | Spotify   We’d love to hear your thoughts and experiences. If anything in this episode resonates with you, or if you have personal stories, insights or questions, please share. Your work matters, and you make a positive difference in the lives of those you support. Take care of you, Julie

In 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 time be overwhelming and result in emotional exhaustion. Listen today to learn: How empathy allows caregivers to build more meaningful relationships, fostering trust and mutual respect. Why understanding residents' feelings, can help caregivers communicate more effectively and address their needs and concerns. How empathetic caregiving helps residents feel valued and understood, improving their overall wellbeing. Why stress and anxiety are reduced when caregivers truly understand residents. How empathy leads to more personalised and considerate care practices, respecting the dignity and individuality of each resident. Recognising emotional exhaustion and empathic distress early is crucial. Regular self-care activities like exercise, meditation and hobbies can recharge emotional reserves and prevent burnout. Seeking professional support through supervision or peer support groups provides a safe space to process emotions and receive guidance. Empathy is essential in caregiving but balancing it with self-care and professional boundaries is crucial for sustaining both the caregiver's wellbeing and the quality of care provided. Remember, your emotional health is just as important as the care you give. By nurturing your own wellbeing, you’re better equipped to offer compassionate and effective care to others.   Click below for Episode 73: The Power of Empathy Website | Apple | Spotify   As always, I would love to hear your thoughts and experiences. If anything in this episode resonates with you, or if you have any personal stories, insights or questions, please feel free to share. Your feedback and perspectives are invaluable. Your work matters, and you make a positive difference in the lives of those you support. Take care of you, Julie

In 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 as we navigate the art of taking feedback like a pro and using it to shine even brighter in your role. Listen today to learn: How to view criticism as a chance to enhance your skills and performance, rather than taking it personally. Effective response strategies for calmly and constructively responding to negative feedback, such as active listening and asking clarifying questions. Actionable steps on how to turn feedback into a concrete plan for improvement by setting specific, achievable goals. The role of resilience in handling criticism and how maintaining a positive mindset can lead to continuous personal and professional development. Remember, every piece of feedback is a stepping stone to growth. Even when it’s tough to hear, feedback offers valuable insights into areas for improvement. Embrace it with an open mind, practise self-compassion and use it to propel yourself forward. Your ability to navigate and learn from feedback is a testament to your resilience and dedication.   Click below for Episode 72: Turning Criticism into Growth Website | Apple | Spotify   As always, I would love to hear your thoughts and experiences. If anything in this episode resonates with you, or if you have any personal stories, insights or questions, please feel free to share. Your feedback and perspectives are invaluable. Your work matters, and you make a positive difference in the lives of those you support. Take care, Julie

Whether 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. Today, we're talking about the power of daily mantras to change your life and work. If you feel like you're drifting without direction, you're not alone – this episode is for you. I'll share why boosting your confidence is crucial, even when you're unsure of your goals. Discover how powerful statements can highlight areas needing attention and guide you toward positive change. I'll also share my transformative approach to self-care and rest. Listen today to learn: How mantras can build your confidence in the workplace. How they can reinforce your abilities and skills, ensuring you provide the best care possible. The importance of rest and how mantras can remind you to take breaks and recharge. The role of self-care in aged care work and how mantras can help you prioritise your health.   Click below for Episode 71: Mantras for Aged Care Workers Website | Apple | Spotify   Remember that you have the power to shape your wellbeing and professional growth. Embracing mantras isn't just about words – it's about nurturing your inner strength and confidence. Every positive affirmation reinforces your abilities, reminds you to take care of yourself and enhances the quality of care you provide. Your dedication and resilience make a real difference in the lives of those you support. Keep believing in yourself and prioritising your wellbeing. You’ve got this! Julie

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 are trying to cope with changes and feel overwhelmed. Finding ways to offer help and support, without being intrusive is key.   KEY TOPICS   Building trust [3:56] Building trust in client relationships is not always straightforward. It needs to be built in a way that is comfortable for clients, as a lot of clients in home settings might have anxiety about the changes they are experiencing. Often when changes happen, our client might withdraw, or be in denial. Proposing services and support mechanisms might not be well-received, as it may not be something that they want, as they feel this is visual evidence that they need more support.   Building trust during those initial stages is critical, and can help to enhance service delivery. When a client trusts you, it is a privilege, not an entitlement, and once you have trust, everything else works much better.   Effective communication [10:51] Clear and concise communication when you interact with clients will help you avoid misunderstandings. Paraphrasing what a client has said can be really powerful. Also be mindful to communicate one idea at a time, breaking down what you are saying into manageable chunks. Writing it down, especially if steps need to be taken based on what you have discussed, is another strategy to avoid misunderstanding.   Setting boundaries [13:19] While it is really important that we build trust with our clients, we must also have professional boundaries. Being consistent, and setting and maintaining healthy boundaries with clients ensures a professional relationship. If you are asked a personal question, a good tactic is to always put the focus back on the client and their needs. When asked a question, you should always answer, but use your judgement on how much personal information you disclose. Keep the client and their wellbeing as the number one focus and reflect questions back.   Feedback mechanisms [17:19] Feedback can be a sensitive topic, but encouraging and utilising client feedback can help to significantly improve services and client satisfaction. All feedback is important, and it is not always negative. It can help us improve, identify changes we might need to make, let us know about client preferences, improve service delivery and increase overall client satisfaction. Feedback doesn’t need to be formal. Regular check-ins to ask if things are alright are valuable and can avoid things accumulating and becoming a problem.     What is trending [20:09] In what’s trending this week, I thought I’d mention the most downloaded resource from my website, ‘5 facts about me’. It is a free resource to help you get to know your client and better understand what is important to them. It can be completed by you (or their family) and the information helps to put into context what you as the service provider needs to know about, focus on and put energy into. This is important, because if our clients feel that we know them it can really alleviate anxiety.     CONNECT   Email Instagram Facebook   LinkedIn   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

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 growth, and our balance and wellbeing. In this episode we’ll look at the reasons behind this and offer some strategies on how we can take time to rest and recharge without the guilt.   KEY TOPICS   Mental and physical health [4:36] Constant productivity affects our mental and physical health, and can lead to burnout, stress and physical exhaustion. Taking breaks and allowing yourself to be unproductive gives your mind and body a chance to rest and recover. We need to give our minds a break from the routine of work and other responsibilities. Planning a week off every three months, taking a long weekend or a day off here and there helps. It feels good to have a break on the horizon, as it gives you something to look forward to.   Creativity and growth [7:43] It’s interesting that it is often the unproductive moments that foster creativity and personal growth. When you’re resting and not focused on tasks, your mind has the freedom to wander, leading to new ideas and perspectives. People often have good ideas in the shower, rather than while they are focused, for example, in a meeting or sitting in front of the computer. When you allow your mind to rest, you can come up with unexpected solutions. Being on the go non-stop can actually eat away at your productivity and creativity.   Balance and wellbeing [11:13] Striving for constant productivity can create a toxic cycle where you feel guilty for taking breaks. It’s important to find a balance between work and relaxation to maintain overall wellbeing. It is not sustainable to be constantly productivity and it can lead to burnout. Slowing down allows us time to be. Boundaries and a healthy sense of rest can help us strike the right balance. If you find it hard to stop, try looking for other ways to cultivate and embrace unproductivity – this could be pottering in the garden, starting a new hobby, volunteering or even going away.    Quality over quantity [14:38] Being busy doesn’t always equate to being productive – it’s more important to focus on the quality of your work rather than the quantity. In fact, taking time to rest can actually make you more efficient and effective when you return to your tasks. Getting enough quality sleep is also important to be sure you can do your best work.   What is trending [18:34] In our what’s trending section this week, I wanted to share an article from Fortune called The case for unproductivity: Why you aren’t meant to be ‘on’ all the time.   The article speaks about the immense pressure in our culture to perform and produce, all hours of the day – both at work and in our personal lives. It includes some good strategies and tips for embracing unproductivity.   Slowing down can take time to master, but it’s definitely worth giving it a try. Small shifts like unplugging on your lunch break and not trying to cram every task into your weekend is a good place to start. There’s something beautiful about not having a busy calendar. Our productivity does not define who we are. Allow yourself time to rest and recharge.   CONNECT   Email Instagram Facebook   LinkedIn   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

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 important to us.   Being specific matters, as when we speak about things broadly, it doesn’t really identify how that looks within our lives. This makes it not only harder to incorporate it into our daily schedule, it also makes it difficult to achieve our goals.   KEY TOPICS   Self-check-in when stressed [7:10] Having some strategies for self-check-in that are fast and easy is important as you are more likely to do them regularly. For example, simply stopping and asking yourself where you feel stress in your body, or what you are worried about.  Our worries can often get pushed down, so pausing to reflect is important to help us bring them to light.   The stress of aged care work can often be underestimated. Pause to recognise the impact it might be having on you, and watch for signs that you might need extra help and support. Don’t assume you must always be emotionally presentable – it is okay to react when things affect you. Make time to check in, and listen to your gut feeling so you can recognise how you feel.   Calming distressed and overwhelmed clients [11:34] When clients are distressed or overwhelmed, so much of our role in aged care becomes about being emotionally present for them. Your client might have health conditions they are dealing with or be going through a significant life change, and they could be feeling overwhelmed and anxious.   At this time, asking them to articulate what is important can help them feel calm. The 5-finger exercise, where you use your fingers to count off what’s most important right now, is a really helpful strategy you can use on others and on yourself. My ‘5 facts about me’ resource can be used in the same way. When distressed clients feel heard and feel they have received individualised care, it can make all the difference.   Importance of regular reviews [15:41] When working in community care, escalating concerns is important, and so is conducting regular reviews of clients, and yourself. Your needs, and their needs, can and do change. Regular reviews where you set timeframes, can help you decide what works for you and help you uncover if you are happy to continue doing what you are doing or if you are ready for change.   What is trending [18:12] The Jean Hailes Foundation is dedicated to creating a healthier future for all women. As approximately 87% of workers within the aged care sector are females, I want to share this valuable resource, which contains a wealth of information and factsheets on a wide range of topics that impact females.     CONNECT   Email Instagram Facebook   LinkedIn   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

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 the doctor, and much more … all tasks that fall disproportionately to women.   The mental load of these responsibilities can lead to stress and eventually burnout. In this episode we are looking at the stress continuum, what contributes to burnout and the types of problem-solving approaches we can use in day-to-day life to minimise the risk of chronic stress.   KEY TOPICS   The stress continuum  [5:54] Females, like everyone, experience stress – and this is normal. It is an automatic response when we sense a threat. Things that can activate stress include deadlines, unexpected changes and life pressures. While a little bit of stress is actually good, as it helps keep us motivated and safe, it becomes a problem if we experience too much stress, as it can eventually lead to burnout.   Strategies to reduce the risk of burnout [13:45] There are many strategies available to help manage stress and minimise the risk of burnout. What works for you will depend on your unique needs. For some, it might be getting your nails done, stepping out of work for lunch or getting a massage. While these are all good, you should also aim to include some free and easy self-care practices that don’t take a lot of time. This could be to go for a walk, have a cup of tea in the sun or listen to music – the list is endless.   Another useful strategy is to delegate, either at work or at home … or both! Mindfulness and grounding activities are also beneficial. Find what works for you, that you can practise regularly on a daily basis to help you feel rejuvenated and recharged.   Problem-solving approaches [23:41] It’s a good idea to consider whether your thinking style is leading you to misinterpret the cause of a problem, as this can then lead you to pursue the wrong solution. While we can’t always change the problem, we can change how we feel about it. For some, practising gratitude and self-compassion can help put things in perspective and improve wellbeing.   What is trending [26:36] The Australian Government has published the ‘Priority area 2: Unpaid and paid care’ report, which is part of a wider focus on gender equality. The report notes that women continue to shoulder the majority of unpaid care in Australia, and that paid care work is also dominated by women workers (and is also often undervalued and underpaid).   There are some much-needed actions underway as part of the plan, including a commitment to establish an expert panel within the Fair Work Commission to help address low wage and workplace conditions in the care and community sector, and to implement skills and training initiatives to increase the diversity and profile of aged care workers.   CONNECT   Email Instagram Facebook   LinkedIn   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

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 of external sources too.   It may be a compulsory requirement of your role or professional registration, or it could be something you seek out and undertake voluntarily in a specific area of interest. Feeling supported via mentoring and supervision also helps to alleviate fear and stress in the workplace, and improve emotional wellbeing.   KEY TOPICS   What are the benefits?  [7:07] Speaking to a mentor or supervisor provides a valuable opportunity to access non-biased support from someone who has more experience in your area of interest. Formal supervision can be focused on a specific skill set or it can be an emotional aspect of the workplace, such as death and dying. It can also come from someone outside of your profession who can help to broaden your knowledge. It often leads to feelings of empowerment, as you are able to discuss sensitive topics or situations where you may feel vulnerable, without the fear of ramifications.   Where can you find a mentor? [09:17] When looking for a mentor, there are many options. It could be someone from inside your workplace or organisation, or it could be someone from a different company or industry association. You can search privately, by posting on LinkedIn or other forms of social media. Putting your interests out there for others to see can also lead to new connections and open up opportunities.   Maintaining the practice [10:32] Once you find a mentor or supervisor, it’s important to maintain the practice. Aim for a regular catch up, this could be monthly, bi-monthly or bi-annually depending on your needs, circumstances and funding. A relationship with a mentor or supervisor is beneficial at all stages of your career. To this day, I practice what I preach and still maintain my relationships with mentors and supervisors, not only as a requirement of my registration, but also because it helps me to reflect and grow.   What is trending [12:36] In a recent survey I conducted amongst my network of aged care workers, I asked the question: Do you feel like you are given sufficient support to deal with workplace death and dying? While there was a mix of yes and no, overwhelmingly the majority expressed that it was not common and they had little to no support available to help them cope with the death of a resident. Not every person will need support, however there are many who would benefit, particularly when the death has happened suddenly. Mentoring or supervision around the topic of death in the workplace could be one beneficial way to support the emotional wellbeing of those who work in aged care.   CONNECT   Email Instagram Facebook   LinkedIn   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

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 isolation and loneliness at work. Surprisingly, I have found that this is something experienced by both those working within regional or remote areas who may spend lengthy periods on the road and only see a couple of clients a day, and also with those working within the suburbs and cities who are interacting with clients all day.   The nature of our work in aged care and the emotional toll of supporting elders can leave us feeling isolated, even when we are part of a large organisation. The good news is you don’t need to feel alone, as there are many opportunities to connect with others who share similar interests, both in-person and online.   KEY TOPICS   Identify a specific interest in ageing  [7:26] A good starting point to foster connection with others can be to identify your own special interest in aged care. For me, when I started, it was vision impairment, but there are so many areas you can choose to focus on. Uncovering your interest provides a window of opportunity to connect with others. As you search for ways to learn more about your chosen topic, you will find yourself crossing paths with and getting to know those with a shared interest within that space.   How can we connect with others? [12:28] These days, there are many ways to connect with others who are similar-minded, both in-person and online. Once you identify an area of aged care that you’d like to learn more about, you’ll begin to uncover a treasure trove of resources where you can not only increase your knowledge on the topic, but also interact with new people. For example, there are many special interest groups and pages on social media, as well as webinars where you can often join for free or for a low cost. On the Older Persons Advocacy Network (OPAN) website you will find a wide range of webinars and videos on a huge range of diverse topics.   What is trending?[15:07] I recently received some correspondence about the benefits of joining a union, and it struck me that this is another way that you can connect with others who work in aged care. I’m not here to advocate for one union or another, but the person who reached out wanted to highlight that being part of a union can give you access to help when you need it. It also provides an outlet where you can share feedback (both good and bad) to encourage change.   Attending events [16:13] There’s no doubt the world of organised events has changed over the past few years. There are a multitude of ways events are delivered, from online conferences to intimate local in-person events, to large national gatherings. While online events are convenient and provide an outlet to connect and collaborate with people from all over the world, if you have the budget and time, attending face-to-face events offers the ideal way to meet people with similar interests. When you are physically in the same room, and can bounce ideas off one another, you experience a tangible and genuine sense of connection.   CONNECT   Email Instagram Facebook   LinkedIn   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

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 our work, and then feel too drained to devote the time to care for ourselves. And for others, it can just be hard to know where to start. While I am not amazing at self-care myself, and I understand the juggle of work and family life, it is something I actively work on, and continue to advocate as essential to wellbeing for everyone, particularly those who work in aged care.   An example of a situation where self-care is so important is shared in our ‘what’s trending’ section, where an aged care worker experienced the death of five clients within two weeks.   KEY TOPICS   Where to start?  [4:21] When it comes to self-care, getting started can be hard, but remember, it is not always about bubble baths and holidays. Think about what you can do for yourself, for just a few minutes a day, to create a little bit of space. It doesn’t need to be complicated. It could be as simple as a walk, going to bed early, eating a healthy meal … just creating some regular moments for your own health and wellbeing. Start small, start easy, start by doing something that is sustainable and fits within your routine.   Feeling uncomfortable with rest [10:25] This is something I’ve been guilty of, even before I had kids, where I found it difficult to stop. I always felt like I should be doing something. This is particularly true when you work for yourself. If you feel like you don’t have a moment to spare, think about what you can outsource. For me, I’ve outsourced a few tasks, like producing the podcast, invoicing and bookkeeping. Some of those I could do, but they would take me a long time, so by outsourcing I have more time available for me. Being clear about what you can outsource, and what you must do yourself, can help you make the best use of your time.   Empath and people pleasing [15:08] It is highly likely if you are working in aged care or home care that you are an empath, and you invest a lot of your energy in looking after other people. Knowing those professional boundaries and recognising where you might be stretching yourself too thin, and might be giving too much of yourself away is important. Otherwise you can feel drained, not just physically from completing the practical tasks involved in your job, but also emotionally. Look for those emotional leaks, and consider some strategies to combat these. This could be taking a moment after seeing those clients who you are emotionally invested in, to allow yourself time to emotionally disengage.   What is trending? [17:16] This week, I wanted to share some correspondence I received from someone who has been working in aged care for eight years, and who recently experience five of her clients pass away within two weeks. As I have mentioned in previous episodes, having some strategies, habits or routines for when someone in your care dies, can be helpful to acknowledge your grief. This can be either within your workplace, such as a memorial, or within your own home, where you buy some flowers or light a candle. Debrief with others if possible, either your colleagues, a mentor, supervisor or mental health professional. Speaking to a professional doesn’t mean there is anything wrong with you; it’s about having that time to acknowledge that the psychological load of your work is high. It’s normal to feel sad when someone dies, and if you have been working long hours it can feel even harder.     Can I afford self-care [21:54] The financial aspects of self-care can make it seem out of reach – but it does not need to be at the luxury end to be effective, such as facials, manicures or a massage. Everyday practices that are sustainable are likely to be more beneficial in the long run. Self-care does not need to be expensive or take a lot of time. It could be having a mental health day, where you go to the beach, on a bushwalk, or eat healthy food. Finding little strategies that help you, fit within your routine and are related to your own interests is key. It could be going to bed half an hour earlier, getting up earlier and doing a meditation or getting out for a walk. Finding those moments, and being mindful about how you spend your time is what self-care is all about.   CONNECT   Email Instagram Facebook   LinkedIn   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