Pet Assisted Therapy - Dogs Helping our senior citizens

Dogs NSW supports the expansion of programs for dogs in aged care facilities. Companion canines can contribute constructively to aged care communities. Research over more than twenty years has shown that pet assisted therapy has beneficial effects on the physical and psychological well-being of aged care residents. Lower blood pressure and relaxed respiratory patterns are just some of the quantifiable improvements reported in residents of aged care facilities when they come into contact with a trained therapy dog. Recovery from illness is improved for many institutionalised people when pets are used in therapy. Interaction with trained and certified therapy animals has been shown to reduce the need for pain medication, and promotes postoperative activity. The unconditional companionship of a dog promotes speech and social activity in otherwise withdrawn people. The “Pets as Therapy” program introduced by the Guide Dog Association, and the Outreach Program coordinated by Australian Veterinary Association and the Animal Welfare League are both examples of programs for pet assisted therapy. Veterinary Adviser and Dogs NSW Spokesperson, Dr Peter Higgins, was involved with the introduction of these two programs in 1989. “I am pleased to see that our political leaders are recognising the therapeutic and soothing benefits of pets. Scientific research has shown conclusively that people benefit both physically and emotionally with dog therapy,” says Dr Higgins. Dogs have a non-judgemental relationship and are associated with unconditional love and affection. Life in an institution can often be lonely and isolated, and these problems can disappear in the presence of a canine companion. The long term therapy of regular interaction with pets has been shown to improve confidence and social activity. The presence of a dog can spark memories of a previous time, and rekindle a positive aspect about life. "No-one is saying that money should be diverted away from nursing and other forms of care but pet assisted therapy is complementary. It has many positive outcomes and is fully justifiable. Therapy dogs are not a new idea; they are mainstream," states Dr Higgins. Humans have had a relationship with companion animals for 130,000 years. Australians, in particular, have embraced the concept of pets as more than 12 million Australians have a pet. Residents of nursing homes should benefit from this lifestyle advantage, too. “It is more than just feel good. The human animal bond should never be underestimated: it goes back to the beginning of our species. Studies have shown that surgery patients and stroke victims in hospitals recover better as a result of having therapy dogs,” explains Dr Higgins.

  Taken from:  http://www.dogsnsw.org.au/resources/media/251-pet-assisted-therapy-dogs-helping-our-senior-citizens.html

Help Staying at Home

Here are some tips for HELPING OLDER PEOPLE  to access help if they need it......

How to access help

This part of the website helps you, your carer, your family and friends understand the various types of home help available – why you might want or need them, and how you can arrange them. Home help is often described as 'community care' (more information).

Aged Care Assessment Teams

To work out if you're eligible for certain subsidised aged care services you'll need to contact your local Aged Care Assessment Team (ACAT or ACAS in Victoria) (more information). These are teams of health professionals who help decide on the types of care that will best meet your needs, such as home help or the support provided by an aged care home.

Referrals to an ACAT can be made by anyone – either you, your carer or a health professional such as your doctor.

Once you've made an appointment, a member of your local ACAT will visit you in your home, hospital or elsewhere, ask you a series of questions and discuss the assessment with you. You're welcome to have your usual carer involved in this discussion. The ACAT member visiting you may be a doctor, nurse, social worker, physiotherapist, occupational therapist, psychologist or other appropriate health care professional. Their job is to discuss your situation, give you all the information you require, and help you make the best choices based on your individual needs and the services available. There are no fees charged for this assessment.

Read more: About being assessed by an ACAT

The Aged Care Assessment Team (ACAT) finder can help you find Aged Care Assessment Teams. Because of the way community care works, the ACAT you find may be based somewhere else but service your community.

Next step: Aged Care Assessment Team finder

Here are some of the programs and services you may be able to access.

Home & Community Care program (HACC)

If you require some basic help with everyday tasks, the Home and Community Care (HACC) program can assist by supporting your independence at home and in the community. This is an ideal solution if long-term care in an aged care home is inappropriate and you only need low-level care. An assessment by an ACAT is not necessary to access these services.

Read more: About the Home and Community Care program

Extended Aged Care at Home packages (EACH)

The Extended Aged Care at Home(EACH) program provides services to meet your high care needs, through an individually tailored package to assist you to remain living in your own home for as long as possible if this is your preference. To receive this service, an ACAT assessment and approval is required (more information).

Read more: About Extended Aged Care at Home packages

Extended Aged Care at Home Dementia packages (EACHD)

If you or someone you care for needs assistance because of behavioural problems associated with dementia, including periods of changes in behaviour such as agitation, shadowing (more information), 'sundowning (more information)' or other disturbances, the Extended Aged Care at Home – Dementia (EACHD) program can provide high-level care through an individually tailored package. To receive this service an ACAT assessment and approval is required.

Community Aged Care Packages (CACP)

The Community Aged Care Package (CACP) Program provides a planned and managed package of community care services for you if you have complex care needs and would like to remain living in your own home. To be eligible to receive a care package, you must be assessed by an Aged Care Assessment Team (ACAT or ACAS in Victoria) as requiring the level of assistance this package delivers.

Read more: About Community Aged Care Packages

National Respite for Carers Program (NRCP)

Caring for a frail or older person can be physically and emotionally demanding. To make sure your carer gets a break, the National Respite for Carers Program (NRCP) provides day care centres, in-home and activity respite programs. You do not need an ACAT assessment for community based respite services – only if you're receiving respite in an aged care home.

Read more: About the National Respite for Carers Program

Commonwealth Carelink Program

The Commonwealth Carelink Program supports a national network of Commonwealth Respite and Carelink Centres that provide up-to-date information on local community, aged care and disability services in your area that will help you continue living at home.

Read more: About Commonwealth Respite and Carelink Centres

Transition Care Program

The Transition Care Program is aimed at helping you improve your independence and confidence after a hospital stay, giving you and your family more time to determine whether you can return home with additional support from community care services, or need to consider the level of care provided by an aged care home. An ACAT assessment and approval is required to access this service.
This has been taken from the Department of Health and Ageing Website follow the link below for more information.
http://www.agedcareaustralia.gov.au/

Crosswords

No I don't mean the angry kind...lol. I mean the kind that you find in magazines and newspapers.  If you find those magazines in public places, such as the doctor's surgery, someone else has usually beaten you to it. There is nothing quite like the pleasure of happening upon a completely blank untouched crossword. A clean slate that is all yours. I have recently discovered that you can access crossword puzzles online and there are even free ones.

Here's the link http://www.crosswordsforfun.com.au/wordpress/  

You might wonder what this has to do with aged care but believe me a lot of older people like to keep their minds active with crosswords. The medical esablishment reccomend keeping your brain active as you get older to keep memory problems at bay.  For some people there is no better way to do that than a good crossword. If you are an aged care worker you may wish to direct your crossword fanatic clients to the site above for some problem solving fun to pass the time.
Are you a crossword enthusiast? or Do you prefer Sudoku?

If your brain likes number puzzles  more than word puzzles I have a link for you too.

Ceck out this site: http://www.websudoku.com/

Let me know how you go and if these sites are useful... what do you think? How do your clients like the idea of puzzles online instead of in a book?

Aged Care Wages

Have you ever considered undertaking a course in aged care to start a new career in the aged care industry? If so you at some point you will be wondering about pay rates. Let me begin by explaining that the pay in aged care is not high and before you all stampede out of this blog in droves please let me explain. After a career in aged care spanning 30 years have some ideas. So the pay rate is not high but one thing is for sure, you will always find a job with a Certificate III in aged care or above. You will be engaged in THE growth industry of the future( even if it feels like you have entered the past somedays). The rewards in aged care are many, not just monetary, you get a real sense of satisfaction when you make a difference in another persons life every day. You may tnink that people go to work for the pay and I agree most would not do tneir job for nothing but if there is no satisfaction in your job you won't want to keep turning up just for the pay. Eventually you will move on!
There are also other factors that influence pay rates in aged care. Penalty rates apply in the evenings at night and on the weekend so perhaps you would like to earn your weeks pay over a weekend and have the whole week off instead! I have done it and it works! Particularly good for working around the care of children. You may wish to get a higjer qualification and move into a team leader role or beyond. Some people study along the way an achieve nursing qualifications. Where do you see yourself in an aged care role and what are your study and career goal?
Here is a link that may help you decifer what you should be paid in aged care.check it out

http://www.payscale.com/research/AU/Job=Aged_Care_Worker/Hourly_Rate

Skin care and Integrity

As we age, our skin loses its elasticity and may be prone to thinning and dryness. This results in lot of older people suffering skin tears and pressure areas. It may also cause discomfort and itchyness.
Traditionally it is socially acceptable to shower or bath every twenty four hours, however this may be to much washing for older skin. To keep odours to a minimum it is now reccomended that older people needing care who may be bed bound are wiped clean with special disposable wipes at the time of  changing continence aids, which is generally three times a day. This keeps the perianal area fresh and the application of some barrier cream such as calmoseptine will ensure the area is protected from skin rashes and excoriation due to wetness.
Rather than a daily shower, older people can benefit from using a bag bath. which is a specific number of durable skin wipes that can be used to wipe over the skin from head to toe without causing dryness. This method is also kind to carers as there is no need for soap, bowls of water or excessive manual handling. To add to the "day spa" experience the bag bath may be warmed in the microwave for a short time to produce a warm and comfortable daily cleanse.
Bag baths can be a little on the expensive side so a lot of aged care providers cannot afford these luxuries but if the older persons budget or that of their family can stretch to provide this it is well worthwhile. Bag Baths are also a good idea for carers in the home envirionment who may be aging themselves and unable to assist with daily shower routines.
Here is a link to a surgical supplier who provides one bag bath product :  There are several brands available.               http://www.tss-nt.com/bag_bath.htm
Do you think this a good idea? Would this solve some personal care issues for your clients or loved one?

Community Care Packages

Older people are choosing to remain at home rather than move into retirement living arrangements or residential care facilities. This trend is supported by the federal government who provides funding for community care packages to help with older peoples care needs in their own home.As Australia's population ages it is necessary for the government to find new and creative ways to provide for our older citizens.
So what is it that older people need to remain in their own homes and not make the move to residential care settings? Often mobility is an issue and the person may no longer be able to perform the tasks they once did due to poor balance, general frailty, lack of strength or due to chronic conditions such as arthritis. Other older people may struggle at home due to problems with memory due to Alzheimers disease or some other form of dementia. The ageing process may present people with challenges in maintaining their independence. They may need help with the following tasks.

• Domestic Duites: such as vacuuming and mopping floors
• Garden Maintainence: such as lawn mowing, pruning and weeding
• Personal Care: help with bathing grooming and dressing
• Meal Preparation: cooking and serving meals
• Medication: Assistance with medication reminders or physical assistance to access medications
• Respite: Provides respite to the carer of an older person to give them a break from caring
• Nursing Services: Wound care, dressings, blood pressure monitoring, prevention of pressure areas.

Some of these tasks can be provided to people through the state funded HACC ( Home and Community Care) Program which provides basic and temporary assistance whilst people recover from illness or injury or on returning home after a hospital stay.
If a person requires help on a more regular or permanent basis they may be able to access funding for CACP ( Community Aged Care Packages) EACH (Extended Aged care at Home) or EACHD (Extended Aged Care at Home Dementia) Packages from the federal government.
So how are these programs accessed ? They can be accessed in the following ways:

• HACC can be self referred or referral from GP or hospital discharge planner
• CACP must have referral and assessment from ACAT ( Aged Care Assessment Team)
• EACH: must have referral and assessment from ACAT ( Aged Care Assessment Team) 
• EACHD must have referral and assessment from ACAT ( Aged Care Assessment Team)

Aged Care Assessment Team
The aged care assessment team is a team of  registered nurses and social workers who visit the older person in their home to assess their suitability and eligibility to access government funded care packages such as those listed above. They also assess eligibility for placement in residential care and respite care in the home or in a residential facility.
As you can see from this article, the aged care system can be complex and challenging for older people to negotiate. It is therefore important for Aged care workers to have an understanding of the system and it's processes to help the older person and their loved ones and carers negotiate care.
Ther are also some very good private care agencies in most areas who can provide private services that are paid for by the older person, who may not be eligible for funded care or is already accessing funded care but it is not enough to meet the care needs.The services provided by these agencies is similar to those listed above.
Is your undersatnding of the community aged care system adequate to assist an older person?

Health Care Courses

Yesterda,y I had the pleasure of spending some time with students at ACE Tweed College. The students are undertaking a training course in Aged Care at the college. They are studying topics such as dementia care, personal care, cultural issues as well as assistance with medication. Two of the students I spoke with were very excited about being involved in work placement where they are completeing the voluntary experience hours required to complete their Certificate III Aged Care Qualification.
One student, Teena has in fact been offered and has commenced paid employment at a local aged care facility despite the fact that she still has some of her course left to complete. Teena was very  generous and passionate enough to allow me to record her enthusiasm on my phon,e so I took the opportunity to create an Aged Care Channel on youtube to upload her footage to. Teena is so excited not just to be working but also to be feeling like she is making a difference in the lives of others. She is getting positive feedback about her performance both from her supervisor and from her clients. She is on top of the world and I am sure it is helping her  to have a regular reliable income too. This is what an aged care job can offer. Teena says that participating in a Certificate III in Aged care has changed her life. You can see Teena on  video on the left of this blog in our Video Link.
Have you ever considered doing an aged care course?  If so, what would you like to get out of it? What area of Aged care would you like to work in?

The Story of Rose

I recieved this story via email from a former colleage. I am sure you have recieved these inspirational emails yourself from time to time. I feel motivated to include this one in this blog because it is a story of positive ageing. I have no idea who wrote it originally but here it is.

The first day of school our professor introduced himself and challenged us to get to know someone we didn't already know. I stood up to look around when a gentle hand touched my shoulder.

I turned around to find a wrinkled, little old lady beaming up at me with a smile that lit up her entire being..
She said, 'Hi handsome. My name is Rose. I'm eighty-seven years old. Can I give you a hug?'
I laughed and enthusiastically responded, 'Of course you may!' and she gave me a giant squeeze..
'Why are you in college at such a young, innocent age?' I asked.
She jokingly replied, 'I'm here to meet a rich husband, get married, and have a couple of kids...'
'No seriously,' I asked. I was curious what may have motivated her to be taking on this challenge at her age.
'I always dreamed of having a college education and now I'm getting one!' she told me.
After class we walked to the student union building and shared a chocolate milkshake.
We became instant friends. Every day for the next three months we would leave class together and talk nonstop. I was always mesmerized listening to this 'time machine' as she shared her wisdom and experience with me..

Over the course of the year, Rose became a campus icon and she easily made friends wherever she went. She loved to dress up and she reveled in the attention bestowed upon her from the other students. She was living it up.

At the end of the semester we invited Rose to speak at our football banquet. I'll never forget what she taught us. She was introduced and stepped up to the podium. As she began to deliver her prepared speech, she dropped her three by five cards on the floor.

 Frustrated and a little embarrassed she leaned into the microphone and simply said, 'I'm sorry I'm so jittery. I gave up beer for Lent and this whiskey is killing me! I'll never get my speech back in order so let me just tell you what I know.'

As we laughed she cleared her throat and began, ' We do not stop playing because we are old; we grow old because we stop playing.

There are only four secrets to staying young, being happy, and achieving success. You have to laugh and find humor every day. You've got to have a dream. When you lose your dreams, you die.

We have so many people walking around who are dead and don't even know it!

There is a huge difference between growing older and growing up.

If you are nineteen years old and lie in bed for one full year and don't do one productive thing, you will turn twenty years old. If I am eighty-seven years old and stay in bed for a year and never do anything I will turn eighty-eight.
Anybody! Can grow older. That doesn't take any talent or ability. The idea is to grow up by always finding opportunity in change. Have no regrets.

The elderly usually don't have regrets for what we did, but rather for things we did not do. The only people who fear death are those with regrets..'

She concluded her speech by courageously singing 'The Rose.'

She challenged each of us to study the lyrics and live them out in our daily lives. At the year's end Rose finished the college degree she had begun all those months ago.
One week after graduation Rose died peacefully in her sleep.

Over two thousand college students attended her funeral in tribute to the wonderful woman who taught by example that it's never too late to be all you can possibly be.

When you finish reading this, please send this peaceful word of advice to your friends and family, they'll really enjoy it!

These words have been passed along in loving memory of ROSE.

REMEMBER, GROWING OLDER IS MANDATORY. GROWING UP IS OPTIONAL. We make a Living by what we get. We make a Life by what we give.

God promises a safe landing, not a calm passage. If God brings you to it, He will bring you through it.