So You Work in Aged Care

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 r...

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 ne...

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 e...

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 p...

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...

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 alw...

  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 t...

  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 s...

  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 h...

  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...

  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. T...

  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 int...

  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...

  Podcast Show Notes – S2 Aged Care Ep 4   PODCAST DETAILS   24 September 2024 So You Work in Aged Care Workplace violence and aggression - Episode 4 of 6   OVERVIEW   In episode 4 of our 6-part series for the So You Work in Aged Care podcast , we continue to explore the key issues and trends that are impacting the aged care workforce in Australia today.   Unfortunate...

  PODCAST DETAILS   1 October 2024 So You Work in Aged Care Communication - Episode 5 of 6   OVERVIEW In episode 5 of our 6-part series for the So You Work in Aged Care podcast , we discuss an important issue within the aged care industry in Australia –communication – and share strategies and tips to help workers improve outcomes and enhance their wellbeing. When I talk to those wor...

Podcast Show Notes – S2 Aged Care Ep 3 PODCAST DETAILS ● 17 September 2024 ● So You Work in Aged Care ● Covid Pandemic: Have We Recovered?- Episode 3 of 6 OVERVIEW In episode 3 of the 6-part series for the So You Work in Aged Care podcast, we continue to explore the burning issues, news and trends affecting the aged care workforce in Australia today. There’s no doubt the Covid pandemic impacted th...

  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...

  Podcast Show Notes – S2 Aged Care Ep 1   PODCAST DETAILS   5 September 2024 So You Work in Aged Care News and Trends in Aged Care    OVERVIEW In this episode, Dr Julie introduces her new podcast , So You Work in Aged Care, explaining the reasons for a shift in focus from the wellbeing of elders to the wellbeing of the aged care workforce, along with some insights on what...

Show notes: Special edition CASE STUDIES Psychological input with treatment team in residential care In this series of podcasts, we are exploring varies topics through case studies – and today we are looking at psychological inputs within the treatment team in aged care. In this episode you will learn: Addressing myths associated with receiving psychological support When someone may require psycho...

Show notes: Special edition CASE STUDIES Intimacy and dementia In this series of podcasts, we are exploring varies topics through case studies – and today we are looking at intimacy and dementia. In this episode you will learn: Rights of elders when it comes to their intimacy needs The impact of dementia on intimacy Safety awareness and the barriers to intimacy in late life.   In this episode...

Show notes: Special edition CASE STUDIES Supporting families of home care recipients In this series of podcasts, we are exploring varies topics through case studies – and today we are looking at supporting families of home care recipients. In this episode you will learn: The advantages of working closely with families of home care recipients Difficulties in detecting memory changes in the home env...

Show notes: Special edition CASE STUDIES Routine management and activities of daily living for care recipients In this series of podcasts we are exploring varies topics through case studies – and in this episode we look at routine management and activities of daily life for care recipients. We will cover: Common time pressures when supporting the elderly Managing the pressures in meeting standards...

Show notes: Special edition CASE STUDIES Episode #2 – Series #2    Helpful sentence structure in dementia In this series of podcasts we are exploring case studies – and in this episode we will look at dementia and sentence structure to improve engagement. We will cover: How to activate our five senses Identifying fear and providing reassurance to those impacted by dementia Different...

Show notes: Special edition CASE STUDIES Supporting families in residential care The focus this special six-episode series of the Voice of Aged Care podcast is case studies – real-life stories focused on the topics that impact those of us working within the aged care sector. These topics have all been requested by listeners, and the first that we will discuss is supporting families whose loved one...

Show notes: Episode #52 – Special edition         Coping strategies In our 6-part special edition series of the Voice of Aged Care podcast, we are looking at factors associated with wellbeing for those within the aged care workforce – and in this, the sixth and final episode in the series, we discuss helpful versus unhelpful coping strategies for aged care w...