In the final episode of St. Vincent's Care's five-part navigating Aged Care series, the topic of death and end-of-life care is discussed. 

The host, Nicole Lessio, is joined by guests Sheridan, Brian, Dr. Richard, Mark, and Zoe to explore the importance of having conversations about death and preparing for the end of life with compassion and dignity. The guests share their personal experiences and offer advice on how to navigate these difficult conversations. 

"Individuals all have different opinions, but we just had to keep coming back to, well, this is what mum wants."

- Brian on honouring his mother's wishes while working with siblings and family

They emphasize the need for open and honest communication, listening to the wishes of the person nearing the end of their life, and planning ahead to ensure a peaceful and fulfilling death. The guests also discuss the emotions and challenges that arise during the dying process and offer support and guidance for families and caregivers. Overall, the episode highlights the importance of having these conversations and the positive impact they can have on the dying person and their loved ones.

Hosted by: Nicole Lessio

Produced by: MSQUARE Productions

Learn more about St Vincent's at https://www.svcs.org.au/

In this episode of the Navigating Aged Care series, the focus is on helping loved ones thrive in aged care.

The host, Nicole, interviews Grace and Sheridan, who share their experiences and insights. Grace talks about how she takes each day as it comes and finds ways to make herself feel better. She emphasizes the importance of coming out of oneself and being excited about life. Grace also discusses her routine and her volunteer work, which she loves. Sheridan praises her mother's involvement at the aged care facility and highlights the responsibilities she has taken on. 

"I think everybody's so individual. We've got to find that quirky little thing that they're hiding and bring it out. And you do that by talking to them. So, talk to them as often as you can."

- Aged Care Resident Grace on getting other residents involved in aged care

They also discuss the importance of encouraging other residents to participate in activities and outings. The conversation then shifts to the concept of flourishing and what it means for individuals who may not be able to participate in the same way. Grace and Sheridan discuss the support and care provided to residents who may have cognitive decline or physical limitations. They emphasize the need for a safe and non-judgmental environment where individuals can be themselves and engage in activities that bring them joy. 

The conversation also touches on the role of families in supporting their loved ones in aged care and the challenges they may face. Mark and Zoe, experts in aged care, join the discussion and share their insights. They emphasize the importance of getting to know each individual and their interests, as well as creating a sense of community within the aged care facility. They also discuss the challenges of balancing autonomy and risk, as well as the changing dynamics of relationships in aged care. 

The episode concludes with a discussion on maintaining connections and facilitating flourishing for residents who may not have frequent visitors. Overall, the episode highlights the importance of individualized care, creating a supportive environment, and promoting autonomy and engagement for residents in aged care.

Hosted by: Nicole Lessio

Produced by: MSQUARE Productions

Learn more about St Vincent's at https://www.svcs.org.au/

In this episode of St. Vincent's Care's navigating Aged Care series, the focus is on integrating loved ones into their new aged care community. 

The host, Nicole Lessio, is joined by residents, families, aged care staff, a geriatrician, and a psychologist to discuss the importance of belonging and adjustment in the new home. Sheridan, a family member, shares her experience of integrating her mother into the community by visiting her regularly, participating in activities, and encouraging social interaction. 

"The facility's assistance in that was crucial in that knowing that I was coming outside of visiting hours. So, the nurses or staff would still let me in after hours just so that I could go in and see her and reassure her that I am not abandoning now."

- Sheridan on her Mum's initial move into aged care

Grace, a resident, emphasizes the importance of getting involved and finding meaning in the new community. The experts provide advice on helping residents integrate, including open communication, being present, and finding purpose. They also discuss the challenges and emotions that families may experience during this transition and offer strategies for coping with guilt and making the most of the new phase of life. 

The episode highlights the significance of relationships, kindness, and respect in creating a sense of belonging and well-being in aged care communities.

Hosted by: Nicole Lessio

Produced by: MSQUARE Productions

Learn more about St Vincent's at https://www.svcs.org.au/

In this episode of St. Vincent's Care's Navigating Aged Care series, the hosts discuss the emotional challenges of transitioning a loved one into aged care. 

They are joined by residents and their families, as well as aged care staff, a geriatrician, and a psychologist.

"It often can't be done with a single interaction. Sometimes as you said before, we're working through this professionally. We've got a certain outcome in mind, but we need to be prepared to give families and my patients people time to work through these really complex decisions."

- Dr. Richard Kane on families processing a potential move to aged care

The guests share their personal experiences and offer advice on coping with the emotional journey of moving a loved one into aged care. They discuss the importance of support networks, therapy, and maintaining healthy relationships during the transition. The experts also provide tips on navigating family dynamics, maintaining boundaries, and creating a comfortable and personalized environment in the aged care facility. Overall, the episode emphasizes the need for empathy, understanding, and self-care during this challenging time.

Hosted by: Nicole Lessio

Produced by: MSQUARE Productions

Learn more about St Vincent's at https://www.svcs.org.au/

In this episode of "Navigating Aged Care," host Nicole interviews Grace and her daughter Sheridan about their experience with the decision to move into aged care. 

Grace initially went into aged care for respite but decided to stay longer because she enjoyed it. Sheridan talks about the transition from being a caregiver to being in a more equal adult-to-adult relationship with her mother.  [6:31]

"It was just taking that first step, and I think once I took that step and got used to the idea that, hey, it's not so bad, and you slowly merge into these things and I think that's what I did."

- Aged Care Resident Grace on her move to aged care

They emphasize the importance of open communication and honesty in their relationship. The episode also features experts in the field, including a geriatrician and a psychologist, who discuss the signs that may indicate the need for aged care and offer advice on how to have conversations about this topic with aging parents. [43:21]

The experts stress the importance of planning ahead and involving the older person in the decision-making process. They also highlight the need for ongoing communication and maintaining relationships with aging parents, even as their needs change.

Hosted by: Nicole Lessio

Produced by: MSQUARE Productions

Learn more about St Vincent's at https://www.svcs.org.au/