Training helps staff talk about trauma
The Helping Hand initiative aims to be an important resource as aged care providers embrace the new Aged Care Act and strengthened standards.
South Australian provider Helping Hand has partnered with Relationships Australia to create a course that helps aged care professionals talk to older adults who have a history of trauma.
The five-part course, Having respectful and inclusive conversations with older people from a background of trauma, is designed to provide aged care workers with knowledge and practical skills to navigate sensitive topics as they arise, and provide ongoing support and care.
Common sources of trauma for older Australians include:
- past abuse or neglect
- traumatic events including past wars, natural disasters, or accidents
- loss and grief, including the death of loved ones
- family conflict
- cultural or religious trauma
- mental health challenges including depression, anxiety, or PTSD
- discrimination and trauma based on identity and sexuality
- fears and anxieties related to aging, illness, or death.
Help to meet new strengthened standards
The training is designed with the new Aged Care Act and strengthened standards in mind, which emphasise a person-centred approach.
Benefits of this training for aged care staff include increased empathy and understanding, the fostering of a supportive workplace culture, and enhanced job satisfaction and wellbeing, said Helping Hand chief executive officer Chris Stewart.
“This new training is designed specifically to assist that process and will be an important resource for aged care workers around the country as we embrace the new Aged Care Act and the Strengthened Standards,” Mr Stewart said.
“The emphasis on trauma-aware and healing informed care are mentioned specifically in this legislation and will ensure the aged care sector can meet the needs of all people as they age.”
People can experience trauma from a wide range of situations and events, and while not everyone will experience lasting problems, those who do deserve ongoing support, he said.
“Often, we hear that staff feel uncomfortable in having these conversations as they are concerned about saying the wrong thing. This training will help give them more confidence in understanding how they can deliver better care.”
The training includes personal insights from people who have lived experience of trauma and covers understanding the importance of sensitive topics, approaches to initiating conversations, strategies and techniques for conducting a conversation, providing ongoing care and support, and the value of respectful conversations.
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