Month: May 2016

Reliant’s CEO, Alexandra Conroy, has been awarded the NSW Young Manager of the Year in the AIM Excellence Awards.

The Young Manager of the Year category recognises the most successful young entrepreneurs and business leaders up to the age of 30. The category acknowledges rising stars and aspiring leaders from business, government and industry and who are making their mark in the industry in which they work.

AIM (Australian Institute of Management) is Australia’s largest membership organisation for managers and leaders. Every year at AIM, 25,000 professionals take part in over 80 training programs and study towards any one of 24 management qualifications in 11 locations around Australia. AIM has provided training to at least half a million people in its 75 year history and is a trusted training partner to over half the companies on the ASX200.

In her acceptance speech, Alexandra said “I’m really pleased that what we do as an organisation as well as the part that I play can be acknowledged in this way.” Alexandra has dedicated her award to her valued staff.

Please click here for more information on the event.

Let’s face it. You’ve finished two degrees, worked hard and smart most of your adult life and are just coming to the top of your career; so you should be able to handle this, right? But your elderly parent coming to live with you and your family petrifies you to the bone.

Firstly, you are not alone. With the population ageing at a frightening rate and the government cutting health care budgets at every turn, this is not an inconceivable scenario in a lot of people’s lives and it can be tricky. Just when you finally have the corner office, after years of pouring all your energy and focus into your career, you have to learn about chronic diseases. Not to mention you have also, with some success, juggled your home life, encouraged (supported) two teenage children, a dog and some sort of social life, you are now also needing to learn about incontinence, early stage dementia, respite care, the stubbornness of the ageing population and how to navigate a host of other “what else could go wrong” scenarios.

Feelings

At this time a mix of resentment and guilt is probably flooding through your veins, tick that box. You can also see your “me time” or date night with your partner slowly dwindling down the proverbial kitchen sink, another tick, and where the hell do you learn about incontinence pads, tick. These are all valid glitches and although this is probably not in line with the goalposts that you cemented at the beginning of your working life you will find yourself learning to function just outside their parameters. Not only can this be stressful for you but also for your aged family member who is losing a significant amount of independence as their age becomes a reality.

Taking time out

This is a very stressful time in many people’s lives but we do need to learn to be kind to ourselves and, of course, kind to the family member who needs care. It takes time to readjust your life when a parent comes to live with you. Talk to family members who are still living at home about what changes are expected and that there may be a period of “settling in” where life will be hectic and demand more of your time until a pattern can occur. Making time for you alone and you as part of a couple is vital to keeping you feeling supported and connected with your life. Enlisting the help of professional  carers or family and friends, if your parent’s needs are constant, will give you a well-earned time out.  If the move has been planned there may be an opportunity to talk to professionals about what to expect and how to find help. General practitioners or your parent’s specialists can be a great source here (Practice Nurses are generally the way to go).

Running on Schedule

Remember even with the best laid out plans THINGS WILL GO WRONG.  Frustration and resentment  are common feelings that may raise their head again, (especially when you are racing out the door for your 9.00 meeting that you have spent weeks preparing for and your parent will just not go on their day out). This is normal if you feel frustration or resentment, and there are many people feeling the same way, remember these are feelings generally towards a particular situation that is happening in the present time rather than long term scenarios. Having back-up plans can help alleviate some of these hiccups, where for example having family, friends or again professional carers who can help-out at short notice can help ease stressful situations.

Did someone say commode?

Having the right equipment can help ease your role as a care giver as well as ensure that your parent is cared for in a safe and secure environment. There may have to be changes made to your home and this could be as simple as giving them a bedroom that is closest to the bathroom or to hiring hospital beds, commode chairs and other wonderful devices. Again asking experts for advice is invaluable to ensure that the equipment is appropriate and is used correctly. Occupational therapists are encyclopaedias of knowledge and they are attached to hospitals as well as private practice.

Remember the little things

This is by no means an complete list of how to prepare for an aged parent, specifically with health concerns, coming to live with you. There will be changes to you and your families lives and there will be times when you will want to hide in the closest, but sometimes it may be realising that the little things get us through. Be easy on yourself, remember that there will be a time of adjustment needed and yes someone may have changed the goalpost when you weren’t looking but that doesn’t mean that you can’t get used to their new position.

I recently attended a conference in The Netherlands about “A life course approach to Healthy Ageing” where esteemed health professionals from Universities around the world engaged in a day’s discussion about the role that social context factors play in healthy ageing and well-being. The program involves conducting and examining research and developments at the individual level during the life course as well as the level of groups and the general population.

Knowledge from the research is showing that there is a direct link between our health in old age and that of our health and social factors as young as 8 years of age. Studies of groups of individuals in the population have been conducted over many years to see what role the influence of society plays in our health. Without any surprise, the incidence of obesity in children today, which is much higher than when I was a child, does not bode well for our future oldies.

Coming from a generation that had no access to the technological play toys of today, my free time was spent playing outside, competing in athletics or playing netball. Downtime was meeting your friends at the local swimming pool and trying to look cool. So with those thoughts in my mind I was feeling confident that my level of activity in my youth was sufficient enough to look after me later in life. My concern however is the here and now – I am now in my middle age years and how can I continue to ensure that my approach to Ageing is healthy? After all, I am happy to survive until old age but I want to maintain the highest level of functioning for as long as possible. My focus going forward should be active ageing, well-being and quality of life.

The usual anecdotes come to mind, about healthy eating, exercise, no smoking, reducing alcohol intake and keeping my mind busy. This is all well and good but with the fast-paced lives that we find ourselves living in, it is easy to forget or frankly to find ourselves too tired to be healthy.  Looking for some inspiration, I find myself thinking about my mother who will turn 80 this year. Her knee troubles her tremendously and she has recently acquired a walking stick. Determined to be healthy in her old age, and to keep her knee on the straight and narrow, she exercises regularly 3-4 times a week at either water aerobics classes or self-paced exercises in a heated pool. The outings also give her time to socialise with other people which helps keep her mind active and sharp.  Boredom and social isolation can have just as much detrimental effect on our health as an unhealthy lifestyle.

As my mother points out: “There are people in our group with many different backgrounds, some have disabilities or dementia who are with carers, others come on their own, some are as young as 60 or in their 90’s. Being older is not an excuse for not exercising, it is just about finding the exercise that best suits you. Being older shouldn’t mean that you cannot have a social outing and not be connected to the word. It just must be right for you and your circumstances”.

Looking back I was definitely on the right track in my youth and early adult years. I somehow seem to have misplaced that outlook and need to pay some attention to my health now, so that I can ensure that I maintain my highest possible level of functioning as I age.  After all Healthy Ageing should have a life course approach.

While doing research for this article I came across the fact that nagging men is good for their health. Let me explain. Apparently, men are much less likely than women to look after their health and see their doctor… 25% less likely to have visited a health care provider in the past year and a whopping 40% more likely to skip recommended blood screening. In fact ‘nagging’ from women is given as the main reason men ever get their health checked out¹.

Change is definitely needed and we need to encourage men to speak about their health and listen to their bodies. Serious diseases and health conditions can affect men at any time in their life, though statistically, the age between 60 – 68 is documented as the average age to develop different cancers, heart disease and other nasties. Unfortunately the thinking of men around this age can be equated to a lifelong masculine behaviour of not showing weakness and a she’ll be right mate! attitude.

The top five causes of premature death for men are chronic disease such as ischemic heart disease, lung cancer, stoke and prostate cancer. Diseases which, in general, are less likely to occur or could be avoided, by adopting healthy lifestyle changes and regular health checks. So what stops our men from seeking help early or talking about their bits. Historically it has never really been socially acceptable for men, in general, to speak openly about their health problems or to ask for help. Whether for health related issues (general or mental), work issues or social guidance. It has in the past been seen as a weakness for our masculine society.

Women on the other hand have been more open with friends and even to some extent supported by the media in health issues. Pink Ribbon Day is one example where events are organised, Facebook pages dedicated, and merchandise companies involved in painting their stock pink. This is not the same when prostate or testicular cancer is discussed. Could it be that as a society we are more used to seeing breasts out in the open, whereas men’s prostate and testicles are hidden behind clothing not noticeable (well only maybe if speedos are being worn!!).  Breast size, gravity and sexuality of breasts is discussed by women and men and in most cases in normal everyday conversation. I feel that this is not the same for the size, gravity and sexuality of men’s balls.

So is there an answer? Men’s Health Week can at least be a start, it may be a way of beginning a conversation and to check with your partner or family member if they have had a health check-up recently. Have they had their prostate checked and how often do they feel their balls? Of course it is not only physical body parts that need checking – mental health issues are also important.  A wonderful program for men has been the “Men’s Shed” which brings men together in a social situation that may make them feel more at ease.  Generally talking about health problems should be encouraged and acted upon if there are any concerns or questions.

So, this Men’s Health Week I will hang up my shower-proof poster about self-examination of testicles, ask my men: R U OK? and hopefully open up more discussion around health that will make it easier for them to talk. I just have to nag them first to take out the rubbish – after all, doing that job for me may also save their life.

1. http://www.apa.org/monitor/2011/06/men-die.aspx

“Bridge helps you think. It’s a game you can play your entire life and keep getting better and better.” Bill Gates.

Bridge players who live on the North Shore or Eastern suburbs, who feel that they may have to give up the game they love, due to problems with eyesight, mobility or speed (not being as fast as they once were) are in luck. Bridge Builders is a supportive new bridge group working in conjunction with Grand Slam Bridge Centre in Double Bay, Trumps at Mosman and Gordon Bridge Centre to help players who are experiencing difficulties with the game they love.

With the help of an experienced carer from Reliant Healthcare, you will be welcomed and assisted with everything from larger playing cards and scoring to getting refreshments or having a bathroom break. Players can also get help with transport to the club if required.

Our General Manager, Jillian Conroy (who hatched this plan) believes that time spent playing bridge is a hugely positive experience for older people. “Bridge requires skill and concentration but it is a very social game as well. As we get older, it’s more important than ever to stay mentally active, maintain our social circle and continue to do things we enjoy. Bridge Builders enables people to continue to play bridge in a supportive social environment.”

As people continue to play bridge well into their twilight years, Bridge Builders may be just what some people need to gain back confidence to enjoy not only the health benefits but also the social component of playing bridge.

If you would like more information regarding Bridge Builders please contact us at Reliant Healthcare.

There have been many developments on the cancer stage recently and the effort and determination that researchers, medical staff, administrators and volunteers put into treatment, services and preemptive screening are remarkable. The statistics show that with early detection from screenings, such as Mammograms and Bowel Screen Tests, the incidence of cancer spreading has decreased significantly and this also allows for appropriate treatment to begin earlier.

There are numerous options of support for people diagnosed with cancer, as well as their immediate family and carers. This includes medical treatment, complementary therapies, psychological support and care assistance.

More research is being conducted whilst clinical trials and media attention around preventative measures is ensuring that people are aware of the risks of certain lifestyle behaviours. Children are being educated in sun smart ways and our Over 50’s are on every government’s list to have your breasts squashed or your bowel habits interrogated!

We have assisted and supported numerous clients and their families along the journey of this unpredictable disease. Whether it has been full time care or just a few hours of assistance a week to enable a well-earned break for a family member, the commitment from everyone involved is inspiring.

Whilst supporting our clients at home we have also raised our hand to be involved in events that raise awareness and funds for cancer.

This Saturday, Cancer Council is holding a “Relay For Life” event to raise much-needed funds and awareness of this devastating disease. We at Reliant are delighted to be involved in their Mini Health Expo from 2pm that will be supporting the event at Gore Hill Oval.

Lately I have been hanging around ‘Seniors’ as much as I can. I have been known to randomly stop old people in the street and start a conversation with them. I am helping ‘oldies’ pack their groceries and carry them to the car, cross the road and, heaven forbid, talk about ‘Bridge’. In my technologically advanced world and the ever-increasing fast paced life I find myself in, I am craving some old fashioned human connection. I don’t mean the comments left on Facebook or the Skype chat that my children have with their grandmother – but the old fashioned ‘cup of tea and biscuit’ connection.

As we move into Senior’s Week we should reflect as a society on how far we have come in “accepting” seniors back into our busy lives. As the ever-increasing isolation of today’s up-and-coming seniors consumes us, we need as a whole community to reflect on our aged members and what we can learn from them.

If we take time to listen to and probe the wealth of information database that surrounds us in the minds of our grey generation, we may find ourselves becoming wonderfully engrossed in lost knowledge. Don’t get me wrong, I have nothing against further advancing society with technology and how convenient my life is with what is available to me, but there is a part of me that craves human interaction and the desire to learn as much as I can about the fascinating lives that our seniors have led.

Our lives will lead us through many changes – some will be welcome and others unfortunately may sneak up on us, or our aged loved ones, and be seen as cruel and unfair. We cannot stop the passage of time but we can as individuals or as a society make sure that our seniors are helped and guided through this time of their lives with dignity, respect and acknowledgement of their lives.

So, as we celebrate Seniors Week and look at the numerous events and activities that are being held throughout our community, let us not forget that seniors should be seen as an integral part of our community every week of the year and if we listen we may just be pleasantly surprised at what we hear!

Reliant Healthcare is very proud to be supporting Shake It Up Foundation’s Research Webinar.

Shake It Up Australia Foundation is a not-for-profit organisation established in 2011 to promote and fund Parkinson’s disease research in Australia.

Register here  for the opportunity to connect with two of Australia’s leading Parkinson’s researchers/neurologists. The complimentary webinar will be hosted by Clyde Campbell, Founding Director of the Shake It Up Australia Foundation and include insights from Professor Dominic Rowe of Macquarie University and Associate Professor Simon Lewis of Sydney University.

Discussions will cover:

• Demystifying Parkinson’s – commonly asked questions by patients and families
• Latest research theories relating to stem cells, genetics and the environment
• The future of Parkinson’s research and the path to a cure
• Living with Parkinson’s in 2014: what does treatment look like?
• How today’s research is improving tomorrow’s quality of life
• Assessing the most promising treatments on the horizon