Protecting Older Australians - COVID-19 Update 9 June 2021

Published 17th June 2021

Webinar - Trauma-informed practice in aged care: Wellbeing and self care strategies for staff

Phoenix Australia is one of the organisations delivering trauma support to the aged care sector in the Aged Care COVID-19 Grief and Trauma Response Package. They are hosting a free webinar that will explore wellbeing and self-care strategies for aged care staff who may have experienced trauma in the course of their work or are caring for people who have experienced trauma.

Working in aged care and looking after older people can be very rewarding. But sometimes it can be difficult or stressful. The people you provide care for may have experienced trauma, loss and grief in their lives and this can have an effect on you. You may have also been exposed to trauma at work, the COVID-19 pandemic may have caused a lot of stress and trauma with people passing away, as well as ongoing uncertainty, lockdowns and changes to routines all having an impact. It is important for you look to look after your own wellbeing while caring for others.

What will the session cover?

This free webinar will explore practical strategies to help individuals, teams and organisations to manage stress and improve wellbeing.

A panel of trauma experts and senior management and wellbeing staff working in the sector will discuss a range of practical wellbeing strategies for individuals, teams and organisations. They will also discuss a framework for managing potentially morally injurious events. Relevant tools and training materials that are being developed in consultation with the sector to assist staff and management will also be presented.

When:

4.00-5.00pm (AEST) Wednesday 16 June 2021

Who should attend?

• Aged care sector staff including personal care workers, clinical, nursing, allied health, and wellbeing staff, and leaders and managers
• Aged care peak bodies staff

Register to attend this free event.

More information and resources about the grief and trauma supports are available on the Aged Care COVID-19 Grief and Trauma Response Package website. The webinar will be recorded and will be available for future viewing along with past webinars and other trauma support resources for aged care at the Phoenix Australia Trauma & Aged Care Support and Information Hub.

The Department has commenced a mail out of a printed information pack to all aged care providers on the grief and trauma support available, if you haven’t received your information pack in the next few weeks contact .

ACT: Updated advice for high risk settings

The ACT Chief Health Officer has issued an updated alert regarding the COVID-19 situation in other Australian states and territories. Please read the 8 June 2021: CHO alert for new information, the key information includes:

• New Zealand has been removed from the geographical area of risk. ACT Health will continue to assess the COVID-19 situation in New Zealand and will respond to any changes in risk as they occur.
• City of Greater Bendigo LGA has been removed from the geographical areas of risk
• The requirement for people who have been in the Goulburn Mulwaree, Shoalhaven and Jervis Bay Territory LGAs in NSW to wear masks while at a high risk setting has been removed.

ACT aged care providers can find out more information from ACT Government.

SA - Vaccination Super Thursday for RACF staff

SA Health is encouraging all staff that work in a residential aged care facilities (RACFs) to have the COVID vaccination.

The Noarlunga, Wayville and Elizabeth clinics will be open late this Thursday 10 June to offer Pfizer vaccinations to all RACF staff, regardless of age. Staff are required to provide evidence of their employment by way of a payslip, work identification or a letter from their employer.

Staff can book an appointment or walk in to receive their Pfizer vaccination. There will be around 600 appointments available across the three clinics this Thursday night. Check the SA Health website for their local clinic’s opening and closing times.

Book now!

• Staff aged under 50 can book online
• Staff 50 and over can make an appointment by calling the SA COVID-19 Information Line on 1800 253 787.

Please share the Roll up and get vaccinated flyer with your staff.

Source:
Unknown Author, 2021, Department of Health (https://www.health.gov.au/)