October 2018
Aged Care Feature + Why aged-care residents need their pets + Bittersweet: the highs and lows of aged care nursing + The emergence of dementia-friendly holidays + Better access to Allied Health care would improve quality of life for residents
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2018
AUSTRALIAN MEDICINES HANDBOOK
You’d be wise to download the App The Australian Medicines Handbook App for Desktop is now available for download onto PC and Mac. The new App for Desktop includes the AMH prescribing guides which contain useful advice on prescribing and use of medications in special populations. Download for free from the AMH website. To access the full content of the AMH a subscription purchase for the App is required. For more information www.amh.net.au
HealthTimes - October 2018 | Page 03
October 2018 We hope you enjoy perusing the range of opportunities included in this issue. If you are interested in pursuing any of these opportuities, please contact the advertiser directly via the contact details provided. If you have any queries about our publication or would like to receive our publication, please email us at contact@healthtimes.com.au DISTRIBUTION 46,300
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HealthTimes - October 2018 | Page 07
Better access to Allied Health care would improve quality of life for aged care residents
D
ue to a significant increase in access to community-based care, older Australians are unlikely to transition into residential aged care until they begin to experience more complex health issues and higher levels of care requirements. As a result, residents within these facilities would benefit from regular participation in a range allied health treatments, yet access to such is extremely “Allied health professionals are important providers of care for older people, regardless of whether the person is living at home or in a residential aged care facility,” says Allied Health Professionals Australia CEO Claire Hewat. “However, access to allied health services in residential aged care is typically far more limited than it may be in the community. “Aged care facilities typically have few or no allied health professionals employed. “Older people living in the community are able to access Medicare-funded allied health services including both chronic disease and mental health services. However, these are not able to be accessed by residents of aged care facilities. “Instead funding is based on the Aged Care Funding Instrument which a number of reviews to allied health services or supporting overall
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wellness and reablement.” Ms Hewat says allied health interventions share a focus on restorative care and reablement that seeks to keep older people as independent and well as possible. “By accessing appropriate allied health services, older people are likely to be less prone to falls, have better mental health, be more able to manage dayto-day tasks such as cooking and washing, and be more likely to manage and overcome functional issues that may arise from illness or the ageing process. “Many older people experience depression, particularly those living in residential aged care who may be there due to increased frailty and need for care, diminished mental capacity due to dementia, may have lost a partner, and whose move to residential care means they are no longer connected to their community. “The psychological services provided by psychologists, mental health occupational therapists, mental health social workers and music therapists can help people deal with what they are experiencing and improve their mental wellbeing.” Multidisciplinary teams including physiotherapists, exercise physiologists and occupational therapists can assist with physical functionality, while dietitians and speech pathologists would provide essential support
to reduce rates of malnutrition, which is more common in the elderly. “Older people are very likely to experience foot issues that can significantly impact their mobility and overall health. Podiatrists provide essential foot care and may also be supported by an orthotist where an older person may need specific aids to help them maintain mobility. “Appropriate allied health interventions can not only provide significant benefits for aged care residents but have been shown to reduce hospitalisations which benefits the older person and the broader health system.” University of Melbourne Professor and Head of Music Therapy, Felicity Baker says allied health services such as music therapy are especially important to more vulnerable people in residential care, such as those with dementia, because they are often no longer able to actively participate in other activities. “Hearing is the last sense to go so even when someone’s eyes are closed, they can still hear music and therefore still experience the stimulation of memories. It is also calming for them. “We would like a music therapist to be available to support all of these vulnerable people living with dementia. “We are undertaking a large study to of music therapy with the long term aim of securing ongoing funding for music therapy as part of standard care. “Music is safe, familiar and can help to restore a sense of familiarity through evoking memories. Also, people tend to be more talkative and socially engaged after sharing music with others.”
Ms Baker says she believes a lack of knowledge and a true understanding of allied health services and their specific benefits is a “(For example), music therapy is currently confused with the musical memories program which uses ipods, often unmonitored with people with dementia. “We believe that this may be okay for some people living with dementia, but for those who are more progressed, they are in need of the human contact and connection that is a key component of music therapy. “The music is shared between a music therapist, others (if in a group) and the person with dementia. “This distinction is not yet understood by all aged care home management, except where the management have seen music therapy in action.” Mr Hewat says while it is likely that many residential aged care services would like to provide greater access to allied health services, the major barrier is the ability to fund those services. “AHPA strongly believes that any reforms must happen urgently and must specifically focus on the health and wellbeing of the older person with an emphasis on maintaining and improving functionality and independence. “ This cannot be achieved without funding appropriate, high-quality allied health services as well as a well-trained and appropriately resourced aged care workforce that can support that work.”
HealthTimes - October 2018 | Page 09
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DISCOVER YOUR FUTURE HealthTimes - October 2018 | Page 11
Bittersweet: the highs and lows of aged care nursing
L
ike any nursing position, working as an aged care nurse comes with both rewards and challenges - the closeness often developed between client and nurse resulting in two of the strongest outcomes on either side. While the rewards associated with the building of strong relationships is obvious, the nature of the role means that clients are generally living out their final years, months or days, and are often unwell, meaning loss of life or disease progression is common.
“It is not possible to have a meaningful caring relationship with a client, patient or resident without an emotional element,” says Registered Sub-Acute and Aged Care Nursing Dr Gillian Stockwell-Smith. “As in any job there are some people you get on with very well. “I got to know my clients and their families very well.” Aged care nursing is provided in hospital, home and in residential aged care, and in all cases, nurses often find themselves spending time with the same clients regularly, and often playing a role that extends beyond the nuts and bolts of actual nursing. “In the community our clients tended to stay on the package for some time and I tried to got to know each other’s preferences. “There is always a social element to community care, sitting down to have a cup of tea or lunch was always a pleasure but time all clients. “Over time conversations had whilst providing care meant that we learnt a lot about their previous and current lifestyles.
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“We saw a lot of each other and got to know them well.” For many clients, loneliness is a significant factor, and often, nurses will attempt to fill the void. Recent research shows that almost half of residents living in aged care facilities receive no are their only meaningful personal connections. Even those that receive in-home care can be left feeling lonely and isolated for a variety of reasons. “Particularly for those that had moved from other areas to retire or whose family members had moved away. “I worked in an area that was attractive to retirees so some of our clients had moved from interstate and did not have a good social network. “A lot of them were no longer able to drive which also limited their ability to get out to visit friends or family.” But it’s not just clients who benefit from the forging of these relationships and bonds. “I consider one of the most rewarding aspects of being an aged care nurse is getting to know about my older clients and their life,” But of course, these unique bonds can also lead to emotional distress, even grief, for nurses when a client’s illness progresses, or they pass away. “There is little I can do to stop the ageing or disease process so in those circumstances my aim is to make the client as comfortable as possible both physically and emotionally and support their family members through what is a very distressing period. “This included attending the funeral where possible.”
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Unfortunately, working with older people means that death and dying are common experiences for Aged Care Nurses, so it’s important to develop strategies to manage the emotions that result. “Death and dying are part of growing older and for a lot of older people requiring care they occur as a release from frustrating and often painful limitations from which they are glad to be free. “I consider it a privilege not a challenge to be with or to have supported them and their families during such an emotional period. “There is always support from colleagues,
She says most nurses also develop their own strategies over time to help them cope. “When I worked in a nursing home in the UK, we would plant a rose in the garden area within sight of the residents’ lounge for remembrance, According to Dr Stockwell-Smith, while the special connections formed between nurse and client can indeed make their final days, and eventual passing, emotional, it’s not always in a negative way. “There is always sadness but it is also a time to reflect on a life well lived and - hopefully - a comfortable and pain free death.
counselling services I could access if needed.” Dr Stockwell-Smith says it’s crucial for
to cope with loss, and the varying degrees of grief that may result.
HealthTimes - October 2018 | Page 13
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CONTINUING EDUCATION OPPORTUNITIES puttinG CoGnitive Behavioural skills into praCtiCe This training program consists of 7 online webinars, plus skills practice between sessions. It aims to develop cognitive behavioural therapy skills so you can help patients to manage their chronic pain. (see Website for dates)
dealinG with emotionally-ChallenGinG patient enCounters This workshop will help you learn how to respond to patients’ emotions, and importantly, how to manage your own emotional responses to patient behaviour. (nov 2018)
pain refresh Two x four-day face-to-face multidisciplinary workshops that explore the extent of the problem, pain contributors & current principles of pain assessment, treatment & management. (feB 2019) CME and PD credits available For dates & further information visit: sydney.edu.au/medicine/pmri/education
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T: +61 2 9463 1516 E: paineducation@sydney.edu.au
HealthTimes - October 2018 | Page 15
Drug and Alcohol Nurse Practitioner Scholarship for Grampians Loddon-Mallee region
O
rticare is the Grampians Loddon Mallee Pharmacotherapy Network, one of five area-based networks in Victoria. We are working to create better access to pharmacotherapy services for all clients living in this region. One of Orticare’s current workforce development priorities is to increase the number and capacity of Drug and Alcohol Nurse Practitioners (NPs) in the catchment. NPs constitute a significant value-add to the pharmacotherapy service system and to the AOD service system more broadly, as they are able to offer diagnostic and prescribing expertise while operating from a holistic nursing framework. To help achieve this goal, Orticare is currently offering scholarships to Drug and Alcohol Nurse Practitioner Candidates working in the Grampians or Loddon Mallee Regions. The scholarships provide financial support towards completion of the Masters of Nursing Practice (Nurse Practitioner) qualification. Brett Vallance is a Drug and Alcohol Nurse Practitioner working with Ballarat Community Health, he described his experience of becoming a NP and the support provided by the health service. “The study itself was enjoyable in terms of broadening of knowledge and the challenging of ideas. Online delivery was flexible which certainly helped with the challenge of managing other
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work and life demands. I worked fulltime, studied 2 units per semester and have a young family, so it was busy. “Ballarat Community Health was very supportive and flexible. I was able to control my diary and study leave hours were also available. Now that he is qualified Brett splits his time, working as a Drug and Alcohol Nurse Practitioner three days a week and in non-residential withdrawal two days a week. The NP clinic commenced in September 2017 and currently has about twenty Medication Assisted Treatment of Opioid Dependence (MATOD) patients. This patient cohort has been built from referrals from GPs, pharmacists and AOD (Alcohol and Other Drug) team colleagues. Brett said he would recommend being a NP as it’s a rewarding and challenging role. “On a system level it fills a gap around lack of MATOD prescribers. As well, in a rural setting with no residential withdrawal beds, a NP can assist these patients to withdraw, this forms the majority of my client base. NPs can be flexible in meeting client needs and can provide timely access to treatment when client motivation is high.” For more information on the Nurse Practitioner Scholarships please visit https:// bchc.org.au/orticare/.
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HealthTimes - October 2018 | Page 17
Nurses play a crucial role in the early identification of delirium
N
urses play a crucial role in the early identification of delirium in people of all ages, with research suggesting that increased delirium education and understanding can improve awareness of the condition, and potentially improve the management of people who have delirium. Registered nurse Dr Judy McCrow, whose PhD investigated a model of education to improve nurse recognition of delirium, says it’s crucial that nurses understand the difference between delirium and other conditions. “Delirium in not normal and it is not dementia,” says Dr McCrow. “It is an acute confusional state characterised by a reduced ability to focus, sustain or shift attention. “It is potentially reversible if the cause or causes are found and treated.” The longer a person has delirium the harder it is to reverse, which is why early detection is so important, and nurses are well-placed to spot the signs. “The exact pathophysiology of delirium is still poorly understood but it is usually a result of an underlying medical condition such as urinary tract infection, constipation, pain or electrolyte imbalance. “Delirium has many causes but it has been shown to be associated with increasing cognitive decline in people with pre-existing cognitive impairment such as
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dementia. “The more risks a person has, the less of an insult is required to develop a delirium. “For example, a person who is older and has a cognitive impairment may only require a small insult, such as starting a sleeping tablet to develop a delirium, whereby a child who has no risk factors can still develop a delirium, but requires larger insults, such as a massive infection before they develop a delirium.” Dr McCrow says lack of awareness by healthcare providers is the main reason delirium remains unidentified. “In addition, delirium is a fluctuating and usually multifactorial thereby making diagnosis and management a little more challenging for health care workers.” Which is why nurses would benefit from developing a deeper understanding of the signs of delirium, enabling them to identify and diagnose the condition more quickly. “The sooner delirium is identified and the causes or causes treated, the better the outcome for the person experiencing delirium.” When not treated, delirium is associated with poor outcomes including significant functional decline and death. “Early identification by nurses is crucial, as finding and treating the cause or causes
can lead to reversibility of the delirium.” Dr McCrow says any acute onset of changes in an older person’s behaviour should be suspected as a delirium. “Delirium can be evidenced by hyper or hypoactive disturbances. “It is fluctuating, the person’s has trouble with attention and there can also be disorganised thinking, altered level of consciousness and sleep disturbances. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual IV criteria diagnose the core features of delirium as the following: 1. Disturbance of consciousness - reduced clarity of awareness of the environment with reduced ability to focus sustain or shift attention; 2. A change in cognition memory deficit, disorientation, language disturbance; or development of a perceptual disturbance (not part of a preexisting condition such as dementia); 3. Acute onset (hours to days) and fluctuating during the course of the day; 4. Evidence from the personal history, physical examination or laboratory findings that the disturbance is caused by the direct physiological consequences of a general medical condition. Dr McCrow believes there is a need for increased awareness that delirium is a significant issue for older people, and an understanding that early recognition and treatment of the underlying cause is directly associated with better outcomes for people. Studies have shown that up to 67% of delirium cases were not recognised by general practitioners, and that 43% of cases were not recognised by the nurses who were caring for the patients.
“(I would like to see nurses) ‘think delirium’ “Be alert, recognise, respond. Listen to family and their concerns.”
According to Dr McCrow, while many healthcare professionals have a role to play in identifying and treating delirium, nurses are well-placed to spot the signs early, and can therefore play a significant part when it comes to minimising the long term impact on patients. “Nurses are at the forefront of care and can see subtle changes in a person. “They regularly see family who may alert you to a person having delirium through simple comments such as, ‘this is not how my mother/father normally behaves’. “If you suspect delirium immediately notify the person’s GP whilst searching for potential causes. “Do a urinalysis, check their bowels are opening, identify any pain, do a head to toe assessment to look for abnormalities or skin irritations/infections.”
HealthTimes - October 2018 | Page 19
Why aged-care residents need their pets
A
ustralia has one of the highest rates of pet ownership in the world which shows we value our animal companions. Sadly, this high prevalence isn’t reflected in residential aged care according to a study by the Animal Welfare League of Australia (AWLA). The AWLA Pets in Aged Care Study1 revealed that while 63 per cent of Australian households are pet owners, only 18 per cent of residential aged care facilities allow pets to live with their owners. Elderly Australians in their own home aren’t immune either, as the support they need to keep and care for their pet isn’t available, with just 9 per cent of in-home
pet-friendly services. According to AWLA figures, about 7 per cent of surrenders are directly related to the requirement of aged care, but this figure is believed to be higher with issues such as unsuitable pet accommodation and lack of financial means to take care of a pet impacting the elderly. Further, an estimated 9,600 surrenders to the RSPCA were elderlyrelated. Seniors moving into aged care can already feel a level of sadness due to leaving their family home, and this sense of loss can be even more profound when they need to separate from their much-loved pets, said Seasons Aged Care Chief “Part of the reason that we encourage pet ownership is that when a resident is strongly bonded to their pet and the care of that pet is
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well-supported there are huge benefits for that
Tracey Silvester, Executive Manager of Envigor, and a former registered nurse in community and residential aged-care said she is passionate about ensuring our elders have the right to choose how they live regardless of their ability or function. “Pets can add significantly to quality of life regardless of age. “For older people, having a pet becomes even more significant because of the living circumstances they inevitably find themselves in,” said Ms Silvester. Many seniors are widowed, or their family don’t live close. They are also less likely to have a strong social network outside their home, so a pet can be their only companion, explained Ms Silvester. “Caring for a pet can be the only reason for an older person living alone to get out of bed in the morning. This is why leaving a pet behind if a person needs to move into residential aged care can have such a devastating impact on them. The pet may be their only friend.” Their pet may also be the last link they had to their old life when their spouse was still alive, said Ms Silvester. “Forcing them to give up that pet when they move into residential aged care is cruel and unfair.” Recent research2 likens the impact of
loneliness on a person’s physical health to that of obesity or smoking. Having a pet has been shown to reduce the incidence of loneliness in all age groups significantly. “For older people, reducing loneliness can life and a life of chronic disease and frailty. The health benefits of pet ownership encompass mental, physical, and social factors, and the positive impact for the quality of life for an older person are many, explained Ms Silvester. “Walking a dog, even over a short distance, encourages exercise which maintains mobility and reduces the risk of falls. “This exercise also increases social interaction with neighbours or other people walking their dogs. “This interaction, while brief, may be the only interaction that person has with another human that day and its significance cannot be underestimated. “Seasons communities encourage people to bring their pets with them when they move in. This means that from the minute they move in, there is a point of conversation and an opportunity to talk to their neighbours. “Many of our communities have informal dog walking groups, where all of the people with dogs meet regularly to walk their dogs together. This provides both the dog and the human the opportunity to socialise,” said Ms Silvester. Aged care resident of Seasons Aged Care, Faye Bunker, said she enjoys walking her dog Jackie to get fresh air and her dog laps up the
was not an option she was willing to consider. “I didn’t want to leave my own home,” said Ms Bunker, “but now I call Seasons home because I have Jackie with me.” Sarah Breen, Lifestyle Manager at Lutheran Services Aged Care, said having pets in the community makes residents feel at home. “People’s faces light up when they interact with pets – whether it’s dogs, cats or birds. “There is one lady who chooses to stay in her room a fair bit and Maude the cat always visits, “I think pets are wonderful company for older people, certainly for those living in aged care, and it’s partly the company and the sensory experience which residents respond to,” said Ms Breen. Social worker, Jennifer Gavshon, of Group Homes Australia, agreed, saying that we opportunity to stay in their own home, accommodate partners, and bring treasured possessions, so why not value the relationship they have with their pet? “Why disrupt more than has to be disrupted from dementia is huge and we don’t want to impact even more by separating them from their beloved pets. “Pets are often where our residents can express their care and love and their need to look after something in a tangible, sometimes nonverbal way. “The good feeling of looking after and being close to and caring for a pet has a ripple ‘feel’
Ms Bunker says leaving her beloved dog Jackie behind when she moved into aged care
HealthTimes - October 2018 | Page 21
Australian-first program offers remote access to multidisciplinary pain management
A
n innovative online physiotherapy program is offering remote access to the full scope of a pain management program, providing education and skills based training for the management of chronic pain. “A multidisciplinary pain management program is best evidence practice for the management of chronic pain,” says Dr Tania Gardener, Australian Physiotherapist Association’s Pain Physiotherapist. “Access to face to face programs is limited particularly for rural and remote patients, or patients who are unable to attend due to psychological or physical impairments, family or work commitments,” says Dr Gardener. “The ‘Reboot Online’ program is the first online multidisciplinary pain management program, adapted and developed from the Department of Pain Medicine’s face to face program Reboot, run at St Vincent’s Hospital Sydney.” Reboot Online uses an animated story, following a chronic pain patients (Martha) journey as she learns about chronic pain and the tools and strategies to manage it. The program has 8 lessons which cover all modules of a typical pain management program, such as what is chronic pain, pacing, goal setting, cognitive behavioural therapy and acceptance. There are also homework tasks that help to consolidate learning and gain confidence in skills. “What sets Reboot Online apart, is the movement station which has 41 exercise videos and a tai chi video to help guide patients with movement. There is also a relaxation station and expert videos from the range of disciplines involved in the management of chronic pain,” Dr Gardender says. The program was developed following years
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of telehealth consultations conducted by the team at the Department of Pain Medicine, treating patients from rural and remote areas, in particular the southern NSW LHD. “Although the telehealth service does provide specialist consultations with the pain specialists, psychologist and physiotherapist for chronic pain patients, we identified the lack of ongoing support and guidance in the local primary care setting. There was a lack of clinicians able to provide the specialist approach that is required for chronic pain. “A collaboration with CRUfAD (Centre of Research for Anxiety and Depression), St Vincent’s Hospital Sydney, was initiated in December 2013. “CRUfAD have been successful in developing many online programs for mental health disorders and joined us in developing a chronic pain program using their model. At St Vincent’s Hospital, the Reboot online program as used as an adjunct to its telehealth consults, checking in with patients every few weeks and discussing the lesson content, issues the patient may have, problem solving and coaching them as they learn the skills and gain confidence in self-management. “We also use the online format for those unable to attend our face to face programs, allowing our consultation time to be used for consolidation and monitoring of progress.” Patients complete the 8 lesson program online, over a 16 week period, with lessons released at two week intervals to allow the patient to learn the material and practice skills adequately, discouraging those who want to quickly complete the program without processing the content. For the full article visit HealthTimes.com.au
Make nursing your passion and a tree change to suit your lifestyle Albury Wodonga Health are seeking to fill multiple roles Mental Health and Maternity. If you are looking to escape the rat race of the big city and are an experienced:
Registered Midwife Registered Psychiatric Nurse Registered or Enrolled Nurse with an interest in Mental Health We want to hear from you! We have multiple roles, permanent part time / full time in an acute mental health facility in Wangaratta and the Maternity Unit in Wodonga Hospital. Albury-Wodonga and Wangaratta are thriving regional centres and the surrounding townships offer natural beautiful scenery, a heritage rich history and exceptional culinary delights. Wangaratta hosts events and festivals to celebrate music, art, food and wine. A gateway to Victoria's High Country, enjoy easy access to cycling, skiing, fishing and paddling experiences. Enjoy a relaxed lifestyle and affordable living. All this is easily accessible by road, rail and air with easy access from Melbourne, Canberra and Sydney. AWH offers flexible work, salary packaging, sponsored education for career development and financial support in relocation.
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HealthTimes - October 2018 | Page 23
The emergence of dementiafriendly holidays will be accepted, understood and supported to engage in their passions, including a love of travel, is becoming a reality with initiatives underway to create dementia-friendly communities, transport and travel destinations. The Australian Government’s Department of Health has identified the need to develop a dementia-friendly action plan in the National Framework for Action on Dementia 2015–2019 to build awareness, acceptance and understanding of dementia in the community. The Australian Government also committed an additional $200 million for dementia research which has significantly boosted funding to more than $60 million per annum. Dementia Australia’s ‘Become a Dementia Friend’ campaign is also helping to educate the public and help support people with dementia to remain included, accepted and con-nected with their community. These dementia initiatives are echoed internationally with the World Health Organisation’s commitment to age-friendly cities and implementation of dementia-friendly de-sign principles worldwide. Considering approximately 250 people a day receive a diagnosis of dementia in Australia, a figure set to increase to 318 people per day by 2025 and more than 650 people by 2056, dementia initiatives and research are pertinent.
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Dementia-friendly destinations
transport
and
travel
Senior Occupational Therapy Lecturer Dr Maria O’Reilly created a guide to improve air travel for people with dementia in collaboration with Queensland University of Technology. As a result of this work, Brisbane Airport became Australia’s first dementia-friendly airport. “We surveyed travellers with dementia and their care partners, as well as airport them about issues faced by travellers with dementia. “This initial survey identified the airport as the most challenging part of the journey, so we worked with Brisbane Airport to look at how they could become more accessible to travellers with dementia, said Dr O’Reilly.” Alzheimer’s Australia CEO Maree McCabe said the Australian-first was a significant step forward in making Australia more dementiafriendly. “People living with a diagnosis of dementia can still enjoy travel, but may require some extra assistance to do so,” said Ms McCabe. Dr O’Reilly now has her sights set on turning Bundaberg into a dementia-friendly tour-ist destination with her current project, Adventures with dementia: How dementia inclusive is Bundaberg as a tourist destination? The project will evaluate Bundaberg’s airport and railway station, as well as taxi and coach
travel in the area to determine its accessibility for travellers with dementia. “As part of this process we are surveying transport workers, have conducted site audits of the airport and railway station, and plan to speak to local people living with dementia. “I’d like to see this initiative expanded to other travel destinations,” said Dr O’Reilly.
are travelling, including people living with dementia, but until recently there’s been very little information available for them on how to travel well. “This project should benefit people with dementia and their care partners, by enabling more positive travel experiences. “It will also benefit transport services and
What friendly’?
with passengers. Dr O’Reilly said the current project would also benefit Bundaberg by promoting it as a dementia-inclusive destination, thus attracting more travellers with dementia. “I think Bundaberg has great potential to be established as a “dementia friendly” tourist destination. “We have received enthusiastic responses from the Bundaberg community and Bunda-berg Regional Council since the project’s inception.” “It all comes down to education and awareness; we all need to take a little more time when interacting with others, and be patient if they are a bit unsure or confused,” said Dr O’Reilly.
makes
a
destination
‘dementia-
If a destination is to be considered dementia friendly, the physical and social environ-ment must support people living with dementia to navigate their surroundings and in-teract with others, said Dr O’Reilly. The physical environment must include: • Way-finding cues and signage • Quiet places to sit and decompress • Accessible unisex toilets (with clear signage, and contrasting toilet seats) • Floor and ground surfaces that aren’t highly patterned, overly glossy, or uneven • Internal environments that are calm to minimise sensory overload (not too cluttered or noisy) The social environment relates to community organisational protocols, said Dr O’Reilly. “If people are alert to and responsive to
experience of a traveller with dementia. “At the airport, we also developed the guide to empower and educate travellers with dementia and their travel companions. This piece of the puzzle is also important. “We now know that people with dementia can and do continue to live engaged lives long after receiving their diagnosis. “We also know that more older people
Dementia in Australia Dementia incorporates a large group of illnesses which cause a progressive decline in a person’s functioning, including loss of memory, intellect, rationality, social skills and physical functioning. There are many types of dementia including Alzheimer’s disease, frontotemporal dementia, vascular dementia and Lewy body disease. In Australia there are currently 436, 366 Australians living with dementia, and this figure is expected to increase to 589,807 by 2028 and 1,076,129 by 2058. People with dementia account for 52 per cent of all residents in residential aged care facilities.
HealthTimes - October 2018 | Page 25
Seeking a career in the Health Industry including a sea-change... tree - change? When life speeds up and becomes more complicated we yearn for simple things, like time, a sense of connection, stability, belonging to a community Life in the Clarence Valley Beautiful towns dotting the Mighty Clarence River from the Ranges to the Coast! Breathtaking National Parks, sun, surf and sand. Clarence Health Service is looking for experienced and dedicated Health Professionals to join our team in rural hospitals based in NSW:
Registered/Enrolled Nurses Pharmacists Occupational Therapists Psychologists Social Workers
Registered Midwives Physiotherapists Speech Pathologists Counsellors Medical Staff
We can offer you Diverse career pathways Professional and personal development Help with further study and education Flexible and supportive work environment Opportunities to start or build a career, or re-enter the workforce Challenging, inspiring and rewarding roles, and The opportunity to make a difference! Positions are available for full time/part time and casual employment. Short term accommodation is available. For further information on positions, please contact Amanda Page, Recruitment/Staff Link Officer Clarence Health Service, on 02 66418410 or email Amanda.Page@health.nsw.gov.au
Page 26 | HealthTimes.com.au
Great jobs for health professionals (you won’t find anywhere else)
RN - Neurology/Stroke Unit Sydney. Join a supportive, enriching team with great opportunities to develop your neurology knowledge.
Registered Nurse Melbourne. Looking for temporary/shift work to suit your availability? Medacs has a wide range of ad-hoc shifts througout Melbourne hospitals.
Remote Health Centre Coordinator Perth. Rewarding opportunity coordinating day-to-day operations of a remote Aboriginal health services clinic in WA.
Casual Mental Health Nurse VIC. Casual opportunities in Wangaratta, Albury, Wodonga and Beachworth.
These and hundreds more great job opportunities at
HealthTimes.com.au HealthTimes - October 2018 | Page 27
The Frontline Health 18/19 Salary Guide & Market Insight Report is now available to download! The Frontline Health 18/19 Salary Guide is now available to clients and candidates. This years guide provides a comprehensive review of current salaries, market insights into recruitment trends, and hiring & salary expectations of employers in the health industry. The health industry in Australia employs over 1,674, 600 people. So that we can better undestand the trends and challenges impacting this growing industry, we gathered comments from our Agency Owners on the state of their local markets & their predictions for the upcoming year. We also surveyed over 100 healthcare employers and pulled data directly from our internal candidate database to gather insights into candidate behaviour, recruitment trends, and hiring & salary expectations in the industry.
Market Insights Whether you’re involved in recruiting in health or you’re a candidate looking for a new role, the insights illuminated in the guide will help give you an understanding of how the recruitment marketing is working, what other employers in the industry are doing, and what you can expect of the recruitment process when working with Frontline Health. Some of the key insights to come out of our research include: •
The average number of days from application to placement continues to increase, taking 5.5 days long than it did 10 years ago.
•
64% of the candidates we placed last year were already registered in our database.
Page 28 | HealthTimes.com.au
•
89% of our placed candidates were actually placed in roles different to what they originally applied to.
•
33% of surveyed employers indicated that Registered Nurse roles were the hardest to fill.
•
Company websites, online job boards, and advertising internally are the most popular methods for health employers to advertise their vacancies.
•
At 73%, dissatisfaction with company, role or employer was listed as the most popular reason for employees to leave a job, followed by higher remuneration and further career advancement.
To download a copy of the full 2018/19 Salary Guide & Market Insight Report, head to www.frontlinerecruitmentgroup.com/health
2 018 – 201 9 SAL ARY CO M PA R I SO N SN A PS H OT Aged Care
Aged Care - RN Village Manager Clinical Manager Facility Manager
Primary Care
Administrator Medical Receptionist Practice Manager Community Nurse - RN
Allied Health
$55K - $72K $80K - $105K $80K - $95K $90K - $140K $45 - $60K $50 - $60K $65 - $80K $58K - $70K
Senior Occupational Therapist Physiotherapist Radiographer Clinical Psychologist
$75K - $100K $65K - $85K $68K - $85K $80K -$100K
Director of Nursing Associate Nurse Unit Manager (ANUM) Clinical Nurse Specialist Registered Nurse - RN Div 1
$125K - $180K $82K - $95K $82K - $95K $63K - $80K
GP Sales Representative Device Sales Representative State Sales Manager National Sales Manager
$65K - $85K $75K - $110K $110K - $140K $120K - $170K
HR Coordinator HR Manager General Manager Director/CEO
$50K - $70K $90K - $130K $120K - $175K $150K - $250K
NURSING
Commercial
Executive & Office Based
For more insights, commentary on the Australian healthcare market, and a breakdown of roles and salary brackets in the industry, head to www.frontlinerecruitmentgroup.com/health to download your copy of the NEW Frontline Health 2018/19 Salary Guide & Market Insight Report!
HealthTimes - October 2018 | Page 29
Time to give your career a lift?
MD (Doctor of Medicine) Online and Classroom - Samoa
Diploma of Practice Management Online Course
Cosmetic Injectables Training Programme Workshop - Melbourne
Certificate IV in Bereavement Support Online Course
Graduate Certificate in Clinical Supervision Online Course
Master of Nursing Online Course
Search Postgraduate and CPD course opportunities at HealthTimes.com.au
Page 30 | HealthTimes.com.au
SAUDI ARABIA Hospital Representative - Information day
Living & working in Saudi Arabia offers unique cultural experiences whilst gaining invaluable clinical exposure. The King Faisal Specialist Hospital & Research Centre, in Riyadh, is a large internaaonally renowned hospital offering high standards of care in all specialles. Professional development and career progression is encouraged within this facility with mullple nursing opportuniies currently available. Employment benefits include salary paid tax free, free accommodaaon with Empl recreaaonal faciliies, transportaaon and travel allowances, health insurance and generous annual leave enntlements. Hospital Representaaves will be holding Informaaon sessions and interviews in Australia & New Zealand this December. Nurses in all specialles except mental health are encouraged to explore their career oppons and apply to kick start an overseas adventure.
To register your interest or apply, please contact us: rowena@ccmrecruitment.com.au dawn@ccmrecruitment.com.au AUS Free Call 1800 818 844 NZ Free Call 0800 700 839
HealthTimes - October 2018 | Page 31
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We’re on t he lookout for Nurses and Midwives across Australia • Contract and permanent opportunities in metropolitan, rural and remote locations
• Gain experience working with remote communities
• Free accommodation and subsidised travel options on offer
• Expand on your skills whilst working in some of the most beautiful locations in Australia
• Flexible contracts from as little as 4 - 25 weeks • Opportunities for all specialties Join the Nurses of Australia Facebook Group for up to date news, discussions and opportunities
For more information call our team on 1800 059 790 or email nurses@medacs.com.au www.medacs.com.au
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