July 2, 2022

Offers

CAPEA NSW Professional Development Day- Midwives & Childbirth Education

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The “Come and Play- A Professional Development Day” provides childbirth and parenting educators with new and revised learning activities, for their professional development. The day includes a range of educational topics aimed at keeping midwives, nurses and physiotherapists up to date on antenatal, birth and parenting practices.

Network with fellow colleagues, and hear about the development of online educational systems, new research and changes to Maternity and Obstetric services, and view new childbirth and parenting teaching aids. As well as a professional  panel session, and session from a consumer perspective.

Join us for: CAPEA NSW PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT DAY

When: 23 July 2022

Where: Bankstown Sports Club

Find out more and register here.

 

Ollie and I Pet Therapy

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We are Ollie & I Pet Therapy.

We are a brand new company – an emotional and mental well-being service, for residents living in aged care facilities.

We would love to come and meet you and your residents.

Our history

Ally, Ollie and Lucy’s Mum, finished school in 1994 and attended St Patrick’s Business College.  For the next 18 years she worked as a Personal Assistant in the legal, financial and construction industries.  After being made redundant after 11 years at BT Financial Group, Ally decided to change careers.

Ally’s grandmother suffered dementia and her father-in-law lost his sight after illness and spent 6 months in hospital.  Ally provided care to both of them in their later years in their homes, when required.

After sitting down to chat with her mum, who was an aged care nurse for 25 years, Ally decided to gain her Certificate III and worked as an AIN in aged care facilities across the Sutherland Shire and St George areas for over 5 years.

Ollie and Lucy were both born and bred in Cootamundra, a town in the South West Slopes region of New South Wales.  Ollie, a red Toy Cavoodle, was born on 28 October 2021.  Lucy, an apricot Toy Cavoodle, was born on 23 January 2022.  Ollie found his forever home in Sydney’s Southern Suburbs, on Christmas Eve 2021 and Lucy in April 2022.

Our aim

Having witnessed first-hand the memory loss, confusion, withdrawal and anxiety due to ageing and dementia, our aim is to bring joy and happiness to our clients.

Ollie & I will sit with you, chat and make our time with you a happy and memorable experience.

Our services

Ollie & I are available for Group Facility visits or One-on-One visits, Monday to Friday.

We are also aware of the mental and physical strain on nurses and other essential staff at present, due to Covid-19 and other outbreaks.  Staff will pause momentarily, smile and feel instantly more at ease as they see Ollie and Lucy walking through the hallways.

As such, we have decided to offer Ollie & I Pet Therapy to staff during their morning tea and lunch breaks to help them relax and reset before heading back to the floor.

The science behind pet therapy

Pet therapy, also known as Animal Assisted Therapy, is a technique that uses animals to interact with seniors to help improve their health and quality of life overall.

Studies show that just 15 minutes with a dog can increase brain activity and serotonin levels in seniors. Serotonin is known as “the feel-good hormone” and plays a crucial role in bodily function as well as our experiences of positive emotions.

Research has shown that individuals living with dementia who may have difficulty using language, animals can be soothing and can even help these individuals speak and articulate themselves when comfortable.

Pets provide an opportunity for non-verbal communication that can help engage those suffering from Alzheimer’s and dementia.

A recent study conducted in Germany involved dogs visiting 17 nursing home residents suffering from dementia. The study found the participants who took part in the animal assisted therapy sessions had improved verbal communication function and greater attentiveness after the completion of the program.

Changes in personal circumstances, side effects of medication, and lifestyle changes can all result in seniors feeling less connected. But there are plenty of things you can do to keep the blues at bay, including cuddling up to a cute and cuddly pet. A study on the effectiveness of animal-assisted therapy measured wellbeing and mood in nursing home residents. The group who had spent time with animals reported feeling ‘enthusiastic’, ‘interested’ and ‘inspired’ significantly more than those who did not spend time with pets.

Pets also play an important role in helping people recover from loss. Elderly people who had recently lost a spouse fared much better if they had a strong attachment to a pet. They suffered significantly less depression, with their pets providing a powerful buffering effect against grief and stress.

This post was sponsored by Ollie and I Pet Therapy.

Burnt out? You’re not alone

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The ongoing global pandemic has taken a toll on many of our members.

 As a workforce, no-one was impacted more by COVID than frontline workers in health and community services. 

Now, more than ever, our members are re-evaluating their work/life balance. That might look like taking more time off, or it might look like changing career directions completely.  

Taking time off 

If you’re thinking of having a break and taking some time off paid work, it’s a good idea to check 3 things related to your super first. 

  1. Reduce your expenses

Working out where you spend your money isn’t always fun, but it is worthwhile. It can help you build a more financially secure future. Have a look through your bank statements and categorise your expenses to see where you could cut down – you might be surprised!   

  1. Understand how time off or reduced hours may impact your retirement

Your employer super contributions are determined by your salary. If you reduce the hours you’re working or take time off, this is naturally going to reduce the amount of super you receive from your employer — and the amount you have at retirement. 

  1. Check if you’re covered for not being able to work

It’s worth checking if your income protection insurance will cover you for this time off. If you suddenly become sick or injured while you’re not working, you want to make sure you’re still covered.  

Changing career directions 

You can take HESTA with you wherever you go. 

While we’ve been the specialist fund for health and community service workers for more than 30 years, we support all Australians, no matter their line of work. 

Download choice of fund form (pdf) 

Think you’ll make a change soon? 

No matter what your situation is, your HESTA super can stay with you. We’ve made it easy to keep it close, so you can make the most of it. 

Learn more about changing jobs 

 HESTA Australian Business Number (ABN): 64 971 749 321 | HESTA super and HESTA Personal Super Unique Superannuation Identifier (USI): HST0100AU 

Disclaimer: 

Issued by H.E.S.T. Australia Ltd ABN 66 006 818 695 AFSL 235249, the Trustee of HESTA ABN 64 971 749 321. This information is of a general nature. It does not take into account your objectives, financial situation or specific needs so you should look at your own financial position and requirements before making a decision. You may wish to consult an adviser when doing this. The target market determination for HESTA products can be found at hesta.com.au/tmd. Before making a decision about HESTA products you should read the relevant Product Disclosure Statement (call 1800 813 327 or visit hesta.com.au for a copy) and consider any relevant risks (visit hesta.com.au/understandingrisk). 

This article was sponsored by HESTA Super.

Free yoga classes for nurses and midwives

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Frontline Yoga is a volunteer-run organisation, offering free yoga classes to all frontline professionals including nurses and midwives.

Frontline Yoga is excited to be bringing their uniquely focused, trauma aware yoga classes  to the local community both face to face and continued virtual classes.

All classes are suitable for beginners and are particularly suitable for people that may be experiencing chronic stress, depression, anxiety, or post-traumatic stress.

All Frontline Yoga teachers are trained in trauma aware yoga techniques, and has an excellent understanding of the impact of a well-modified Yoga class to assist participants.

Through the use of mindful modifications, props, pose alternatives and breathing techniques Frontline Yoga supports the physical differences of participants and offers effective techniques for stress reduction.

Frontline Yoga’s classes focus on strength, resilience, and connection.

Sharon Brown from the Royal Australian Air Force, found Frontline Yoga’s classes safe, secure, and supportive.

“As a veteran, Frontline Yoga provides me with a safe, secure, and supportive environment in which I can explore and come to understand the physical and psychological challenges unique to me and to my life experience”, she said.

You can join Frontline Yoga’s free in-person and Zoom yoga classes here.

This article was provided by Frontline Yoga. 

FREE entry to Raging Waters Sydney for “Community Champions”

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As a thank you, Raging Waters Sydney is offering FREE day entry to all Community Champions on weekends until Sunday 3 April 2022.

Community Champions include:

  • Medical Professionals
  • Teachers and Educational Staff
  • Emergency Services including SES
  • Defence Force Personnel

Up to 5 family members and friends of the Community Champion receive discounted day entry to Raging Waters at $40 per person – over 30 percent off gate price.

Community Champions can redeem this offer by supplying proof of employment at the Park or to skip the queue, email Guest Services at support@ragingwaterssydney.zendesk.com.

Raging Waters is Sydney’s biggest water park, offering more than 30 rides, slides and attractions for all ages to enjoy.

For more information and full eligibility, please visit www.ragingwaterssydney.com.au