MY JOURNEY INTO AGED CARE PSYCHOLOGY

From early in my career, I knew I wanted to work with older adults to improve their wellbeing in late life. However, a decade ago when I searched for a role as an ‘aged care psychologist’ I was shocked to discover not a single job listing! That’s when I founded Wise Care and began practising on my own.

For five years, I travelled to aged care homes and facilities to provide treatment and face-to-face intervention for the elderly – and I kept hearing the same thing from my patients:

‘I’m not getting the right emotional support from my caregivers.’                     

I felt compelled to do something to change this. To empower aged care workers and residents with the tools and strategies needed to feel positive and connected, instead of isolated and unheard. So, I returned to university and completed my PhD in Emotional and Psychological Wellbeing in Home Care Workers and have evolved from there to become an aged care psychology consultant.

To all my past patients, thank you for inspiring me to take the path that I’m on today.           

My mission is to halve the depression rate among aged care residents 

Over the past ten years, I’ve seen the prevalence of depression in aged care residents sharply rise. What was once an alarming statistic has now grown to become a mental health crisis. But sadly, issues like isolation, anxiety, depression and suicidal thoughts among older people remain a blind spot that is rarely acknowledged or discussed.

I work with some of the most recognised aged care organisations, and deliver training and support to thousands of aged care workers, allied health professionals, and families across Australia to help their loved ones make a smooth transition into aged care.

I believe that with the right strategies and skills, together, we can shape a better future for everyone in aged care.             

Wise Care is the beacon of light that the aged care community needs.

I help aged care facilities transform from a place of stressed employees and disengaged residents to a vibrant environment where staff feel productive and residents feel understood and loved.

I help allied health professionals leave the comfort of their consulting rooms and go where the elderly need their help most, in private and nursing homes.

I help family members go from being overwhelmed and confused about the aged care transition to becoming a vital support network for their loved ones.

Accreditation

Psychology Board of Australia – Full Registration

Board Approved Psychology Supervisor

Recognition

Winner of the Positive Living in Aged Care Award for group sessions I co-facilitated with residents at an aged care facility.

Nominated for the 2019 Allied Health Impact Achievement Award for my work in supporting residents, teaching staff and families on how to boost wellbeing for the elderly.

Join me and my guests as we share real experiences, rare insights, insider knowledge and easy tips on how to deliver better emotional care for the elderly.

Let’s start conversations that have been left unsaid. Let’s learn, share and empower one another to shape a better future for aged care.

Podcast highlights:

• Guest interviews with key industry players (mental health professionals, art and music therapists, families and more)

• Real case studies (with no academic jargon or unrealistic recommendations)

• Strategies that are easy to understand and use (learn what works and what doesn’t).

Your exclusive freebie pack is a collection of my most requested freebies.

Pack includes:

• Handbook: 10 Useful and Practical Tips to Engaging Older People with Cognitive Impairment

• Handbook: Conversation Starters with Older Adults

• Quiz: Emotional Care in your Aged Care Facility

 Simply click the button and get the freebie pack.