Who is St Vincent's Care?
St Vincent's Care is a Catholic provider of aged care, home care and retirement living units across Queensland, New South Wales and Victoria.
NAVIGATING AGED CARE
LISTEN TO EPISODE 1 NOW
LET'S TALK ABOUT AGEING
Every year, over 150,000 elderly Australians transition into residential aged care, affecting not only those individuals but also their families who need support through this significant life change.
So much of the public discussion around aged care – including at the policy and political level – is around the clinical: how many minutes of care, how many staff are on deck, how many dollars are being spent.
These are all important issues, but they ignore the personal…and that’s overwhelmingly at the heart of what aged care is about.
"Celebrating You" is about identifying the need for these conversations and creating a safe space for them to take place.
EPISODE 1 - The Start of a Journey into Aged Care with Grace, Sheridan and Brian. Plus, Zoe Falster, and Dr. Richard Kane Discuss Approaching the 'Dreaded' Aged Care Chat
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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.
"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." - Grace
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.
Hosted by: Nicole Lessio
EPISODE 2 - The Challenge of Moving Into to Aged Care with Grace and Sheridan. Zoe Falster, Dr. Richard Kane and Mark Aros on Emotions, Guilt and Communication in Early Aged Care
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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.
"It often can't be done with a single interaction. [As professionals] 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
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.
Hosted by: Nicole Lessio
EPISODE 3 - Adjusting to Aged Care with Sheridan and Grace. Plus, What Aged Care Providers and Families Can Do to Help with Mark Aros and Zoe Falster
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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 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
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.
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
EPISODE 4 - Coming Out of Your Shell With Sheridan and Grace. Zoe Falster and Mark Aros Talk Flourishing in Aged Care
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In this episode of the Navigating Aged Care series, the focus is on helping loved ones thrive in aged care.
"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." - Grace
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.
Hosted by: Nicole Lessio
EPISODE 5 - Planning for Death in Aged Care with Sheridan and Brian. Plus, Zoe Falster, Mark Aros and Dr. Richard Kane on Fulfilling the Wishes of Loved Ones
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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.
"Individuals all have different opinions, but we just had to keep coming back to, well, this is what mum wants." - Brian
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.
Hosted by: Nicole Lessio
Your podcast guest experts
Dr Richard Kane is the Clinical Director of Geriatric Medicine, Home & Community Services at St Vincent’s Hospital Melbourne. Passionate about helping people understand and navigate aging, he joined the ‘Navigating Aged Care’ podcast to share valuable insights. Dr Kane is a big believer that older people, just like everyone else, deserve acceptance, independence, and autonomy in their lives.
As a Facility Manager at St Vincent’s Heathcote, Mark is a dedicated advocate for proactive aged care planning and the nurturing of meaningful relationships in aged care. In his over two decades of aged care experience, Mark has been privileged to witness the diverse and profound journeys of hundreds of residents within the St Vincent’s aged care community. Through these experiences, he has developed a deep-seated belief in the pivotal role that relationships play in enhancing the quality of life for individuals in their later stages.
Mark's perspective is shaped by the poignant realization that residents nearing the end of their lives seldom express regret over the time invested in cultivating meaningful connections. He understands that these relationships provide comfort, companionship and a sense of belonging, enriching the lives of residents and fostering a supportive environment within the facility.
Mark finds solace and inspiration in the art of gardening. To him, the garden serves as a profound metaphor for the journey of life itself. By tenderly nurturing the seeds of love, kindness and compassion, one can cultivate a life of beauty, purpose and fulfillment.
In Season 2, you'll have the opportunity to delve deeper into Mark's profound insights and reflections on life, relationships and the transformative power of nurturing what truly matters. Join us as we explore his wisdom and garner valuable lessons on tending to the garden of life with care and intention.
Zoe Falster, the Principal Psychologist at St Vincent’s Hospital Sydney, is all about helping us build deeper relationships. In the ‘Navigating Aged Care’ podcast she shares her thoughts on how to connect with aging parents, have difficult conversations about care and tackle the emotional changes that come with aging.
Your podcast stars
Driven by a philosophy of authenticity, Brian advocates for people living life on their own terms. Together with his sister Margaret, Brian recognizes the preciousness of their time with their beloved mother. Despite their experience and meticulous preparations for their Mother’s care and future, they understand the need to be mentally and emotionally prepared for whatever changes may come your way – especially when it comes to living in aged care.
In Brian's story, we find a profound reminder of the complexities of love, family and the inevitable passage of time.
Grace’s journey into aged care was unexpected. Originally planning to retire with her husband in a Queensland apartment, Grace's life took an unforeseen turn with her husband’s sudden passing. Moving back to Sydney to live with her daughter Sheridan, Grace found herself in circumstances she never could have predicted. Faced with this new reality, Grace made the courageous decision to transition into care.
The adjustment was challenging for Grace. She struggled to engage with the community, preferring the solitude of her room and resisting participation in activities. Yet, with time and determination, Grace gradually began to integrate into the community. Starting with a few activities, she eventually emerged as a volunteer receptionist, contributing her time and skills to the benefit of others.
Grace's inherent compassion for others has always been evident, yet she had never prioritized her own self-care. Through the unwavering support of her family, the dedicated staff and the warmth of the community, Grace rediscovered her true self as someone you loves life and wants to squeeze all the fun and joy she can out of it. Now, volunteering as a receptionist at her home in aged care, she stands as an integral part of the community, offering guidance and support to others on their own journeys of self-discovery.
Daughter of aged care resident Grace, Sheridan has been a major support and advocate for her mum and her eventual move into aged care. With the unexpected death of Sheridan's father's, Sheridan candidly learnt the hard way many of the challenges that come with navigating age and death without careful discussion and preparation.
Despite maintaining a strong relationship with her mother prior to her father’s passing, Sheridan had been separated physically from her mother for years due to living in different parts of the country. It wasn't until Grace moved in with her that Sheridan realized the extent of her mother's need for further assistance.
While Sheridan didn't make the decision solely for her mother to move into care, she stood by her side, supporting her in making the choice that would bring Grace the most happiness. Witnessing her mother's struggle to adapt to her new environment was difficult for Sheridan (especially during the Covid years), but with time and with the support of staff and community, Grace was able to regain her inner strength, independence and vitality.
Sheridan now speaks with pride about her mother's remarkable transition and believes their bond has never been stronger.
