Category: Uncategorized

Grief is a natural response to loss. You may experience all kinds of emotions, from shock or anger to disbelief, guilt, and sadness.

The process of grieving a loss is an inevitable part of life, however, there are ways to deal with the pain, come to terms with loss, and eventually, begin to move forward. These are our tips:
1. Support yourself emotionally by taking care of yourself physically.
2. Accept loneliness. However, it’s important not to get too isolated
3. Seek out face-to-face support from people who care about you.
4. Get extra rest. Physical and emotional exhaustion is common. You will need more rest than usual.
5. Set a regular sleep schedule. Make it a goal to go to bed and wake up at the same time each day.
6. Get up and walk around, preferably outside, at least a little each day.
7. Recognize the difference between grief and depression. Talk to your doctor if you feel it may be depression.
8. Keep structure in your day. Get dressed and eat small, regular meals, even if you are not hungry and not planning on going out.
9. Give yourself time. Accept your feelings and know that grieving is a process.
10. Return to your hobbies. Get back to the activities that bring you joy.

Seek support or professional help If you’re experiencing; persistent intense feelings of sadness and despair, feelings of hollowness, feelings of hopelessness, thoughts of harming yourself.
Seek help lines:
• Lifeline offer 24-hour crisis support – 13 11 14
• Australian Centre for Grief and Bereavement — bereavement counselling and support services. Call 1800 642 066.
• MensLine Australia — 24 hours, 7 days. Call 1300 78 99 78.
• If you need to know more about grief, and to get advice on what to do next, you can also call healthdirect on 1800 022 222 to speak with a registered nurse, 24 hours, 7 days a week

Visit our blog: http://www.gihc.com.au/blog for more.
For information about our services visit our website, Call us on (03) 9863 6149 or 1300 912 155 after hours, email us at info@gihc.com.au

Studies show that pets, in particular dogs and cats, can reduce stress, anxiety, and depression, ease loneliness, encourage exercise and playfulness, and even improve your cardiovascular health.
• Increasing exercise
• Providing companionship.
• Helping you meet new people
• Reducing anxiety.
• Adding structure and routine to your day

Visit our website at: http://www.gihc.com.au. Call us on (03) 9863 6149 or 1300 912 155 after hours, email us at info@gihc.com.au
Prior to providing services, we will visit the client’s home and conduct a free home safety assessment and decide whether safety measures need to be put in place, such as non-slip mates in the bathroom, handrails, and lights.

After understanding non-verbal communication types and techniques, you will be able to communicate more effectively with someone who has Alzheimer’s or dementia. The use of body language can help reduce the risk of confusion, agitation, and frustration.
It important that we adapt our communication to match the ability of the person with dementia so they understand as much as possible what we’re trying to communicate.

Non-verbal communication types:

1. Facial expressions

2. Body movements and posture

3. Gestures

4. Eye contact

5. Touch

6. Space

7. Voice

Non-verbal communication techniques:

1. Be patient and calm

2. Keep voice, face, and body relaxed and positive

3. Be consistent

4. Make eye contact and respect personal space

5. Use gentle touch to reassure

6. Observe their nonverbal reactions

There are three types of aged care funding models:

• Home Care Packages (HCP): This funding model is designed to meet the needs of any individuals, ranging from low level needs to high levels needs with package levels 1 to 4.

• Self-funded: Seniors have the option to pay for the services they receive entirely from their own pocket. Self-funding is for individuals that are not eligible for a home care package, or they are waiting for their home care package to be made available.

• Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP): This funding model is designed for seniors who have very low-level needs, around 2-4 hours of services requires each fortnight. Recipients of CHSPs may only use this funding on specific allocated services.

For information about our services visit our website at gihc.com.au, Call us on (03) 9863 6149 or 1300 912 155 after hours, email us at info@gihc.com.au

The Federal government has promised that a pay increase for aged care workers is on the cards. They are aware that aged care work is undervalued and that needs to be changed.

This pay rise will help with the workforce shortages by helping to attract more staff and help providers retain quality staff.

This pay rise could increase the minimum wage by $5 an hour, however the federal government has not confirmed how much exactly at this stage.

For information about our services visit our website at gihc.com.au, Call us on (03) 9863 6149 or 1300 912 155 after hours, email us at info@gihc.com.au

1. Improves Brain Function
Tea can improve cognition through brain stimulation.

2. Strong and Healthy Heart
A study published by the European Journal of Preventive Cardiology found that Habitual tea consumption can provide cardiovascular protection, particularly of atherosclerosis and coronary heart disease.

3. Stress and Anxiety Reliever
Tea contains antioxidants and amino acids that help relax the mind by removing the physical and mental stress.

4. Helps hydration
Tea can help hydrate the body, especially herbal varieties that don’t contain any caffeine.

5. Prevents Dementia
The antioxidants in teas also protect the brain from toxic chemicals that decreases the chances in developing dementia and Alzheimer’s in those that are genetically predisposed to Alzheimer’s disease.

6. Reduces Dental Problems
Studies have shown that black tea can reduce plaque build-up and help control bacteria.

7. Aids with sleep
Studies show that calming teas such as chamomile or lavender can aid with sleep.

For information about our services visit our website at gihc.com.au, Call us on (03) 9863 6149 or 1300 912 155 after hours, email us at info@gihc.com.au

St Basil’s Fawkner Facility has been charged for workplace safety breach which caused the deadliest COVID outbreak from any nursing home in Australia which led to the death of 50 residents which occurred in 2020. The facility could face millions of dollars in fines for not supplying PPE and failing to enforce PPE requirements after workers tested positive to COVID. St Basil’s has received 9 charges in total, 3 charges for failing to ensure a safe workplace, 1 for failing to provide safe work environment, 2 for failing to provide instruction & supervision, and 3 for failing to protect staff and residents. St Basil’s could be fined up to $1.49 million per charge, or $13.4 million in total. The daughter of one of the St Basil’s residents that passed away in 2020 described the situation at the facility as shocking, and residents suffered from neglect.

For information about our services visit our website at gihc.com.au, Call us on (03) 9863 6149 or 1300 912 155 after hours, email us at info@gihc.com.au

Throughout our lives, we’re bound to come across pain and uncertainty, especially when we reach our senior years. Learning to accept that pain is a part of life and cannot be changed, helps to maintain a positive outlook, and makes a great difference on our mental state.

*Accepting the things that cannot be changed.
You can use positive self-affirmations to reduce anxiety, stress, and help you envision happiness. You start with learning to let go of what you can’t change
From there, you can be clear about the decisions going forward. That is, choosing whether you’ll accept the challenge of letting go.

*Having the courage to change what can be changed.
Once you can differentiate the things you can change and those you can’t, your path to success begins with adopting an optimistic mindset. Once your mind is clear of doubt, your goals and decision making will be much clearer.

*Knowing the difference between things that can and can’t be changed.It can help to make a list of things that ideas, prior decisions, problems, mental, and mental barriers. It will be clearer which things you can change and those that you can’t. Ask yourself if you can change anything from the list. Those that you can be changed, ask yourself if you’re sure you want to change, then ask yourself what resources are necessary, then finally, ask yourself how those resources be acquired.

For information about our services visit our website at gihc.com.au, Call us on (03) 9863 6149 or 1300 912 155 after hours, email us at info@gihc.com.au

The Federal government has announced that from August 12 to September
30, up to 250 general duties personnel from the Australian Defence Force
will be deployed throughout the country to support aged care facilities
that are understaffed due to the COVID-19 outbreaks that have occurred
nationwide.

Aged & Community Care Providers Association (ACCPA) Interim Chief
Executive Officer (CEO), Paul Sadler welcomes the assistance from the
ADF, however believes it is not enough. In fact, in residential aged
care, there’s a shortage of about 27,000 workers, and another 15,000 for
in home care.

Residential aged care providers have the responsibility of keeping staff
and clients safe, however since the pandemic has started, we have seen
more than 1,000 facilities across Australia battle from outbreaks
resulting in tens of thousands of deaths.

It is important to remember that it is still possible to move back home
from aged care facilities. In home care providers like Gratitude In-home
Care can provide in home services for all needs.

For information about our services visit our website at gihc.com.au,
Call us on (03) 9863 6149 or 1300 912 155 after hours, email us at
info@gihc.com.au

When we think of health, the first thing that comes to most people’s minds is physical health. However mental health is extremely important because it impacts our thoughts, feelings, and decision making.
Prolonged poor mental states can increase the risk of physical health problems and mental illness. For example, depression can lead to conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, and stroke.
Staying healthy mentally and physically can help you live a long, healthy life!

For information about our services visit our website at gihc.com.au, Call us on (03) 9863 6149 or 1300 912 155 after hours, email us at info@gihc.com.au