A platform to bust myths and misconceptions is among the aims of a podcast South Australian-based, not-for-profit aged care provider Helping Hand has been publishing to help people seeking information and advice on navigating the aged care sector .
Launched last August and hosted by podcaster Kate Holland, Age Old Problems: New Aged Care can be found on Spotify and the Helping Hand website.
Helping Hand chief executive officer Chris Stewart said they created the podcast as they are often asked questions that reflect common misconceptions about available aged care services.
“It’s designed to break down myths, clarify any misunderstandings, and provide clear, accessible information about the benefits of our services and how people can access them,” he said.
There are currently seven episodes with each one featuring a different guest.
The first episode – Navigating Home Care – features group manager of retirement living and housing at Helping Hand Jo Carter Jones, and home care client Reg.
Episode two covers the benefits that residential can bring to both carers and recipients, with guests Lisa Brewer, who works in admission and customer service at Helping Hand, and North Adelaide resident liaison coordinator Kerry Carlson.
Helping Hand occupational therapy manager in home care Amanda Bailey joins Ms Holland in episode three to discuss what an occupational therapist does and how they can help people remain safe and independent in their own homes.
Episode four is dedicated to the joys of volunteering, with Golden Grove lifestyle and volunteer coordinator Rachel Carson and volunteer Kaye sharing why everyone should give volunteering a go.
In episode five, Ms Holland is joined by Helping Hand palliative care nurse Zara Freeman to discuss advance care planning – as talking end of life wishes and desire can help carers ensure they are met. Ms Freeman explains it can also be a bonding conversation.
Episode six acts as an introduction to the thousands of Australians who were forced into institutional care in childhood and are now entering a stage of life where they need to access aged care services. Many people who spent part or all of their childhood in an institutional setting experienced significant and emotional trauma. The episode features Helping Hand manager engagement and partnerships Chelsea Lewis and Jan Schaffarz, who identifies as a Forgotten Australian.
In the most recent episode, episode seven, Helping Hand’s customer engagement officer Chanie Slater and admissions consultant Emma Jericho go through everything required to start the process of entering residential aged care.
Listen to the podcast here.
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