New self-care online training launched

A guest blog from Naomi Sheridan, Policy Analyst, Australian Healthcare and Hospitals Association (AHHA)

At the start of a new year, a time for setting goals and making plans, it is important to remind ourselves of what self-care is (and isn’t) and how self-care can be practiced effectively.

As such, the recent release of the new Practicing self-care module of the Palliative Care Online Training course by AHHA, is well-timed. In this guest blog, we recap the importance of self-care and introduce you to the new training module.

What is self-care?

At its core, ‘self-care’ is about taking care of yourself and taking an active role in protecting your own health and wellbeing.

Engaging in self-care begins by identifying your unique circumstances and developing a personalised approach that aims to help manage specific stressors associated with your experience.

While the concept of self-care is appearing more frequently in everyday conversation, there are still some common misconceptions about self-care. Some common myths about self-care include:

• Self-care is only for people who are feeling unwell.
• Self-care is luxurious or expensive.
• Self-care does not work.
• Self-care is for weak people.
• Self-care is self-centred.

Contrary to these misconceptions:

• Self-care is for everyone and helps prevent you from becoming unwell.
• Self-care is not ‘one-size fits all’ and it does not need to be expensive or luxurious.
• Self-care is effective and backed by research.
• Self-care is not a weakness; it is a strength that can help you to get through difficult times.
• Self-care is not selfish; taking care of yourself allows you to take care of others.

The importance of self-care

Whether you are a carer, volunteer, or work in health care, chances are you’ll find yourself caring for someone with a life-limiting illness at some stage of your life.

As a carer or health professional, you will often put the needs of the person you care for before your own needs. However, it is important that you look after your personal needs as well, especially if you plan to continue caring for a prolonged period of time.

Every person’s needs are unique and sorting your way through the emotional and social stress faced by a dying person and their family can be difficult.

Self-care strategies have been shown to minimise burnout, stress, carer strain, compassion fatigue, and emotional distress.

The new self-care module

Divided into two tailored curriculums for both health professionals and carers, the new Practicing self-care module of the Palliative Care Online Training course is now available for enrolment.

By completing this module, participants will gain an understanding of:

1. The impacts of caring on the wellbeing of health professionals/carers and families
2. The concept and practice of self-care
3. Physical health and wellbeing as self-care
4. Mental health and wellbeing as self-care
5. Spiritual health, relationships, and social connections as self-care
6. Helpful self-care planning tips and resources.

The course is a free, online and self-paced learning program funded by the Commonwealth Department of Health and Aged Care and is developed by the Australian Healthcare and Hospitals Association (AHHA), with input from industry and other specialists.

It offers non-clinical, interactive training for carers, community and aged care workers, students, volunteers, family members and clinicians who want to build their skills in caring for someone with a life-limiting illness.

To build your skills and confidence in delivering palliative care to the best of your ability, register today at www.pallcaretraining.com.au.

More self-care resources for aged care workers can be found in the ELDAC Self-Care Room.

 

Naomi Sheridan, Policy Officer
Australian Healthcare and Hospitals Association