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Dieticians can help with many issues which relate to the food we ingest, or maybe you’re healthy but curious to know what/how you’re eating is right for your health. Here is a list of things dieticians can help with:
• I have High cholesterol.
• I have Digestive issues
• I am always hungry/ I have a lack of appetite
• I often get sick
• I need help with planning meals
• I am tired even with 8+ hours of sleep
• I have difficulty with my weight
• I have a chronic disease. E.g. diabetes, IBS, high blood pressure, kidney disease, heart disease, cancer, IBD.
• I am unsure what I should be eating
• I have food allergies, gastrointestinal issues.
To find a dietitian, visit dietitians Australia: https://dietitiansaustralia.org.au/
Visit our blog: http://www.gihc.com.au/blog for more.
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

Your medicines should be reviewed regularly (usually once a year) to check that they are right for you.

When you are first prescribed a medicine, your doctor, pharmacist and/or nurse checks that it is the best medicine for you. However, things can change, for example:
• You might have developed a side effect from the medicine.
• Your health might have changed, such as developing a long-term condition.
• You might have started taking other additional medicines.
• The guidelines for treating your condition might have changed.
• You may be taking a large number of medications (known as “polypharmacy”).
• A medication you are on may be no longer essential for your health day to day.
All of these factors can affect whether a medicine remains the best choice for you.

Falls are Australia’s largest contributor to hospitalised injuries and a leading cause of injury deaths.

• Repair or remove tripping hazards
• Clean up clutter
• Install grab bars and handrails
• Install bright lights
• Stay physically active
• Have your eyes and hearing tested
• Find out about the side effects of any medicine you take
• Get enough sleep.
• Stand up slowly
• Use an assistive device if you need help feeling steady when you walk.
• Always tell your doctor if you have fallen since your last checkup, even if you aren’t hurt when you fall.

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 mats in the bathroom, handrails, and lights.

We offer the following services:
• Personal care
• palliative care
• Overnight & 24-hour care
• Respite care
• Medication assistance
• Nursing services
• After hospital care
• Companionship
• Shopping support and meal preparation
• Gardening and home maintenance
• Transport support
• Assistance with household tasks
• Community access
• Allied Health Services

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