CAREGiver CONNECT
APR 21
ER T H G LAU EST B E H IS T NE! I C I D ME
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April 2021
STORY TIME! We here at the office are assembling a collection of CAREGiver stories to share in this section of the monthly newsletter each month! If you think you have a great CAREGiver story that would entertain, excite and possibly educate your fellow CAREGivers, send it in to: vibeke.thomsen@homeinsteadbsi.com.au for your chance for it be at the start of next months newsletter!
What’s inside - CAREGiver Highlight - Why sleep is essential for
good health! - March Office Highlights - Poem - Growth of the Aged Care Industry in Australia - Laughter Yoga - Mindfulness - Office Family
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CAREGiver Highlight
Karen Massey
Karen is one of our amazing CAREGivers who has worked with Home Instead for over one year. With an extensive background of lived and personal carer experience, Karen was keen to develop her professional carer skills. She zoomed through her training courses and has continued to impress with her cheeky sense of humour, her big heart and optimistic outlook on life. It is no surprise that Karen’s clients have regained their ability to laugh and enjoy their day to day lives. Here at Home Instead we just cannot stress highly enough how much we appreciate Karen and all of our wonderful CAREGivers.
Thank you Karen for all your fantastic work!
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“Hi, I am” “My name is Karen (But I use a fictitious name “Fiona” when I order coffee with my client). My Client and I made up this name for me because he does not think of me as insufferable and middle aged. He has a wonderful sense of humour.
Best & Worst:
My favourite part of being a CAREGiver is when I arrive at my shift and my client greets me with a huge smile by saying “Hello darling how are you today?” I then undertake tasks to make their day so much better. The worst part of my job is seeing clients slowly losing their mobility and spark of life and it saddens me to hear about a Client I have cared for pass away.
Heart Warmer:
I have a heart-warming story and that is last Christmas before my client passed away the family gave all the carers a Xmas gift, which was just beautiful as the family really appreciate the work we do for their loved ones.”
So, all you lovely CAERGivers – who is up next ? Let’s share our stories and strengthen our community! Please contact Vib Thomsen on 07 3277 3077 or vibeke.thomsen@homeinsteadbsi.com.au with a few lines (approx. 100 words) so we can share your story or advice - or anything else you would like to share with us.
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K L A T L REA Sleep Study
WHY SLEEP IS ESSENTIAL FOR GOOD HEALTH!
Getting enough sleep is essential for helping a person maintain optimal health and well-being. When it comes to their health, sleep is as vital as regular exercise and eating a balanced diet. The following are some of the many benefits health professionals associate with getting a good night’s rest – and some of the misconceptions of sleep deprivation.
1. BETTER PRODUCTIVITY AND CONCENTRATION There were several studies that scientists did in the early 2000s that looked at the effects of sleep deprivation. What the researchers concluded is that sleep has links to several brain functions, including: • Concentration • Productivity • Cognition A more recent 2015 study in the Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry showed that children’s sleep patterns can have a direct impact on their behavior and academic performance.
2. LOWER WEIGHT GAIN RISK Whilst there is no evidence of sleep deprivation being a direct contributor to weight gain a lack of sleep may, however, affect a person’s desire or ability to maintain a healthful lifestyle, which often contribute to weight gain.
revitalize!
3. BETTER CALORIE REGULATION Similarly to gaining weight, there is evidence to suggest that getting a good night’s sleep can help a person consume fewer calories during the day. For example, one study in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences says that sleep patterns affect the hormones responsible for appetite. When a person does not sleep long enough, it can interfere with their body’s ability to regulate food intake correctly.
4. GREATER ATHLETIC PERFORMANCE According to the National Sleep Foundation, adequate sleep for adults is between 7 and 9 hours a night, and athletes may benefit from as many as 10 hours. Accordingly, sleep is as important to athletes as consuming enough calories and nutrients. One of the reasons for this requirement is that the body heals during sleep. Other benefits include:
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Better performance intensity
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More energy
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Better coordination
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Faster speed
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Better mental functioning
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K L A T L REA Sleep Study
WHY SLEEP IS ESSENTIAL FOR GOOD HEALTH!
5. LOWER RISK OF HEART DISEASE One risk factor for heart disease is high blood pressure. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), getting adequate rest each night allows the body’s blood pressure to regulate itself. Doing so can reduce the chances of sleep-related conditions such as apnea and promote better overall heart health.
6. MORE SOCIAL AND EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE Sleep has links to people’s emotional and social intelligence. Someone who does not get adequate sleep is more likely to have issues with recognizing other people’s emotions and expressions. For example, one study in the Journal of Sleep Research looked at people’s responses to emotional stimuli. The researchers concluded, similarly to many earlier studies, that a person’s emotional empathy is less when they do not get adequate sleep.
7. STRONGER IMMUNE SYSTEM Sleep helps the body repair, regenerate, and recover. The immune system is no exception to this relationship. Some research shows how better sleep quality can help the body fight off infection. However, scientists still need to do further research into the exact mechanisms of sleep in regard to its impact on the body’s immune system.
8. PREVENTING DEPRESSION The association between sleep and mental health has been the subject of research for a long time. One conclusion is that there is a link between lack of sleep and depression. A study appearing in JAMA Psychiatry examines patterns of death by suicide over 10 years. It concludes that lack of sleep is a contributing factor to many of these deaths. Another study in the Australian and New Zealand Journal of Psychiatry suggests that people with sleep disorders such as insomnia are likely to show signs of depression.
9. LOWER INFLAMMATION There is a link between getting adequate sleep and reducing inflammation in the body. For example, a study in the World Journal of Gastroenterology suggests a link between sleep deprivation and inflammatory bowel diseases that affect people’s gastrointestinal tract. The study showed that sleep deprivation can contribute to these diseases — and that these diseases, in turn, can contribute to sleep deprivation.
A healthy sleep pattern makes for a happier life!
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K L A T L REA Sleep Study
WHY SLEEP IS ESSENTIAL FOR GOOD HEALTH!
SLEEP RECOMMENDATIONS Sleep needs vary from person to person, depending on their age. As a person ages, they typically require less sleep to function properly:
(0–3 months): 14–17 HOURS INFANTS (4–12 months): 12–16 HOURS TODDLER (1–2 years): 11–14 HOURS PRESCHOOL (3–5 years): 10–13 HOURS SCHOOL AGE (6–12 years): 9–12 HOURS TEEN (13–18 years): 8–10 HOURS ADULT (18–60 years): 7-PLUS HOURS ADULT (61–64 years): 7–9 HOURS ADULT (65+ years): 7–8 HOURS
NEWBORNS
As well as the number of hours, the quality of sleep is also important. Signs of poor sleep quality include: Waking in the middle of the night. Still not feeling rested after an adequate number of hours sleep?
THINGS YOU CAN DO TO IMPROVE SLEEP QUALITY ARE:
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Avoiding sleeping in when you have had enough sleep.
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Going to bed around the same time each night.
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Spending more time outside and being more active during the day.
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Reducing stress through exercise, therapy, or other means
SUMMARY Sleep is a vital, often neglected, component of every person’s overall health and well-being. Sleep is important because it enables the body to repair and be fit and ready for another day. Getting adequate rest may also help prevent excess weight gain, heart disease, and increased illness duration.
Mar
e c i f f ch O
s t h g i l High
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East Brisbane & Ipswich and Brisbane South
In appreciation of their 10th anniversary as Caregivers with Home Instead, Virginia and Myles Beaufort, Owners, invited this lovely CAREgiver trio out for a long lunch. Thank you to Janette Story, Deb Fraser and Raylene MacDonald for your dedication to changing the face of ageing. Your work is highly appreciated and valued by your clients, their families and everyone within Home Instead!
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Morning Tea in the office in which we embraced and celebrated “Harmony Day”. Notice the splash of orange attire? Traditionally, orange signifies social communication and meaningful conversations. It also relates to the freedom of ideas and encouragement of mutual respect.
Th is fa m ily is yo ur fa m ily too !
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Time is Too slow for those who wait, Too swift for those who fear, Too long for those who grieve, Too short for those who rejoice, But for those who love, Time is eternity.
Henry Van Dyke
Growth of the Aged Care Industry in Australia
The aged care sector is fast growing in this country, driven largely by our sizeable baby boomer cohort who are estimated to be 5.5 million strong and make up our largest demographic group. Born between the years 1946-1965, the oldest baby boomer in 2017 is 71 years old – firmly in retirement-age territory, whilst the youngest will be celebrating their 52nd birthday. It goes without saying this massive demographic are a force to be reckoned with. Having already reshaped Australian culture and society over recent decades whilst ‘sitting behind the wheel’ so to speak, the baby boomers are set to forever change healthcare and in particular the provision of aged care in the years ahead.
Keeps Residents Smiling with
Laughter Yoga!
Yoga is a centuries-old practice, tried and true, with proven health benefits for people of all ages. We know that yoga is good for health and well-being – but what if we all had a little more fun doing yoga? That’s where laughter yoga comes in!
WHAT IS LAUGHTER YOGA? Basically, it is participation in a series of deep breathing exercises that bring increased oxygen to the brain and body and also practices laughter exercises they call, “Lion Laughter,” “Deep Belly Laughter,” and “Chicken Laughter.” These laughing exercises release feel-good endorphins in the brain, leaving residents feeling less stress, improving relationships, and contributing to a positive mental attitude.
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5 BENEFITS OF LAUGHTER YOGA FOR SENIORS Laughing at Laughter YogaThe old adage, “Laughter is the best medicine” may seem flippant but there is research showing that laughter can actually have physiological health benefits including a reduction of stress hormones and an increase in feel-good endorphins. Laughter yoga is an exercise routine that includes guided laughter exercises and deep breathing exercises, increasing oxygen to the brain and helping participants feel more healthy and energized. INCREASES LAUGHTER AND MOOD: Laughter yoga can change your mood quickly by releasing endorphins in the brain. These feel-good hormones can improve your mood and keep you laughing throughout the day. REDUCES STRESS: Because laughter yoga is also a cardio workout, there is increased oxygen to the body and brain helping participants feel more relaxed and energized. STRENGTHENS IMMUNE SYSTEM: Laughter yoga can reduce stress and strengthen the immune system.
IMPROVES THE QUALITY OF LIFE: The positive energy from laughter yoga can help participants connect with other people in the life and other participants in the class. IMPROVES ATTITUDE THROUGH LIFE’S TRIALS: The breathing and laughter exercise in class can help participants cope with negative situations or negative people – encouraging a good attitude through difficult times.
Keeps Residents Smiling with
Laughter Yoga!
5 LAUGH YOGA EXERCISES 1. ONE METER LAUGH Stand with feet slightly apart, both hands stretched out to the left. Slide the fingers of the right hand over the left arm to the elbow while saying ‘Aeeeeeeeee’. Continue sliding the fingers across the chest to the right shoulder, saying ‘Aeeeeee’. Uncurl the right arm so that both arms are full outstretched, tilt your head back and laugh heartily, from the belly. Repeat for the right side. Do three times each side. 2. MENTAL FLOSS LAUGH Imagine that you have wrapped a thread of dental floss between your fingers. Now imagine threading the floss between your ears to clear out the ‘stinking thinking’ that can build up, like dental plaque, in the mind. Jiggle it around, to and fro, while laughing. Make it thorough! Then throw the ‘floss’ and the worries away. 3. LAUGHTER CREAM Take an imaginary jar of lotion, scoop a dollop out and ‘rub’ it into your skin —arms, face, legs, belly, back, ears—and laugh. 4. ALOHA LAUGH Raise your arms above your head, chin up and mouth wide , breathe out ‘Alooooo’. Let it crescendo. Drop the arms and bend forward as you laugh out the ‘HaaaaaHaaaaHaaaaaaaaaaaa’. Big breath in and repeat 3 times. 5. SILENT LAUGHTER Keep your mouth wide open and laugh without the sound. Imagine you are in a library or church, where it would be really inappropriate to burst out laughing. Try with your mouth closed too.
Complete your session with some slow mindful breathing.
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You’ve laughed for no reason, and alone. Your body and mind thank you.
! y a d t a e r g a e v Ha
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Mindfulness
5 Simple Mindfulness Practices for Daily Life How often have you rushed out the door and into your day without even thinking about how you’d like things to go? Before you know it, something or someone has rubbed you the wrong way, and you’ve reacted automatically with frustration, impatience, or rage—in other words, you’ve found yourself acting in a way you never intended. You don’t have to be stuck in these patterns. Pausing to practice mindfulness for just a few minutes at different times during the day can help your days be better and more in line with how you’d like them to be. Over the next 5 weeks we are going to be looking at some of the most well known mindfulness techniques! Enjoy :) - Jacob
One approach that can help us to live with Intention is Mindfulness. Mindfulness is the art and practice of living in the present moment, deliberately. That is, being fully aware of our thoughts, feelings, and behaviours as well as the things that we take in with our senses moment to moment.
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Mindfulness
Week 1 - Mindful Wakeup: Start with a Purpose
This practice is best done first thing in the morning, before checking phones or email.
1. On waking, sit in your bed or a chair in a
relaxed posture. Close your eyes and connect with the sensations of your seated body. Make sure your spine is straight, but not rigid.
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Set your intention for the day. For example, “Today, I will be kind to myself; be patient with others; give generously; stay grounded; persevere; have fun; eat well,” or anything else you feel is important.
2. Take three long, deep, nourishing breaths— 5. Throughout the breathing in through your nose and out through your mouth. Then let your breath settle into its own rhythm, as you simply follow it in and out, noticing the rise and fall of your chest and belly as you breathe.
3. Ask yourself: “What is my intention for
today?” Use these prompts to help answer that question, as you think about the people and activities you will face. Ask yourself: How might I show up today to have the best impact? What quality of mind do I want to strengthen and develop? What do I need to take better care of myself? During difficult moments, how might I be more compassionate to others and myself? How might I feel more connected and fulfilled?
day, check in with yourself. Pause, take a breath, and revisit your intention. Notice, as you become more and more conscious of your intentions for each day, how the quality of your communications, relationships, and mood shifts.
East Brisbane & Ipswich and Brisbane South Family
Th is fa m ily is yo ur fa m ily too !
Myles & Gin Beaufort Business Owner and People & Culture Manager
Natasha Robbie Executive Assistant
Donna-Jo (DJ) Ratcliffe
Gayle Reid Finance Manager
Lyndia Rennie Care Manager
Vibeke Thomsen
People & Culture Liaison
Recruitment & Retention Manager
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Renae Leslie Client & CAREGiver Support Officer
Susan Read Client Services Representative
Kim Spies Client Care Co-ordinator
Yasmin Tusa Client Care Co-ordinator
Amanda (Mandy) O’Brien
Katrina Shears Client Care Co-ordinator
Learning and Development Officer
L
O
V
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Jacob Farley Off-Site Graphic Designer
All the other CAREGivers! They are your family too!
East Brisbane 3277 3077 eastbrisbane@ homeinstead.com.au
Ipswich & Brisbane South
3288 8841 ipsbrissouth@ homeinstead.com.au
48 Wharf St, Kangaroo Point, QLD 4169