Helping Hand

1 October is International Day of Older Persons.

This year’s theme, "The Age of Longevity: Rethinking Systems for Longer Lives", invites us to think about what it means to live longer and how we can support people to live well along the way.

At Helping Hand, we see every day that older people have their own stories, interests, experiences and things that matter to them.

Ageing is different for everyone. It’s about choice, connection, independence and continuing to enjoy the things that make life meaningful.

Today, we recognise older Australians and the many ways they contribute to their families, communities and the world around them.

PEOPLE OF HELPING HAND

Meet Liya, a Hotel Services Assistant at Helping Hand's North Adelaide residential care home. Originally from India, Liya moved to Australia to study a Master of Business Administration (MBA) specialising in Business Analytics.

Outside of work and study, Liya enjoys travelling, listening to music and experiencing new cultures. Her love of meeting new people and building connections shines through in her interactions with residents, families, visitors and staff.

Liya joined Helping Hand one and a half years ago, after taking a chance and dropping off her resume.

"I had seen job advertisements online and heard from my friends how supportive the work culture is, so I decided to apply," Liya said.

Starting in the café, Liya has been supported to develop her barista skills before progressing to run shifts independently. Since then, she has gained experience in food service, cleaning and utilities, broadening her skills while continuing to do what she enjoys most, connecting with residents.

"Seeing the impact a simple smile can have on someone's day and having it reflected back on their face, there is no better feeling," she said.

What started off as a job to support her studies has grown into a role Liya genuinely enjoys, while also opening doors to opportunities aligned with her future career aspirations.

Through Helping Hand's Learning Pathways team, Liya was connected with the Business Systems team and completed a placement as a Business Analyst intern, allowing her to apply the knowledge gained through her MBA studies in a practical setting.

"I was nervous coming into the corporate office because it felt very different to working in the café," Liya said.

"There were so many new faces, but everyone was incredibly supportive and made me feel welcome straight away."

A key part of Liya’s placement involved developing a business improvement proposal focused on reducing food waste, which combined her interest in sustainability with her experience in hotel services.

"I was able to see how ideas become projects and the steps involved in bringing them to life," she said.

"It was an invaluable experience. I feel like I've now seen almost every part of what a Business Analyst does and have a much clearer understanding of the career path I want to take."

Liya says the experience challenged her to step outside her comfort zone and build her confidence, both professionally and personally.

"As an international student, it can be difficult to gain industry experience. I'm grateful for the trust and support I received and for the way Helping Hand invests in its people," she said.

Liya's journey reflects a key component of Helping Hand's Strategic Plan 2025-2030, to care for our trusted team and help them learn and grow: https://ow.ly/uLMb50ZQP2i

Liya's advice for others considering an internship;

“Have the confidence to step forward and ask for the opportunities you are looking for. You never know where they might lead."

Dementia Action Week: supporting loved ones

Dementia affects more than the person living with the condition. It can also have a significant impact on partners, family members and friends.

In this episode of our podcast Age Old Problems: New Aged Care, we talk about supporting the loved ones of people living with dementia, including the importance of understanding, connection and support for carers and families too.

Because no one should have to navigate dementia alone. Listen to Supporting the Loved Ones of Those with Dementia on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/2UdCaNVvQP1t9H1IHKorIe?si=oOyKAp1VSMOoqsLZf3YaLg

Find out more about Dementia Action Week: https://www.dementia.org.au/get-involved/dementia-action-week

What if taking a few moments each day to notice the good could help build resilience?

Helping Hand Coordinating Chaplain Paul Hodgson shares why practising gratitude can support our wellbeing through both the good times and the difficult ones.

Read more in the latest edition of At Home with Helping Hand.

https://www.helpinghand.org.au/about-us/resources/our-publications/

Dementia Action Week: dementia in residential care

Moving into residential care is a significant change for anyone, but for a person living with dementia, a new environment can bring its own challenges.

In this episode of our podcast Age Old Problems: New Aged Care, we explore dementia in residential care and the ways care teams can support people to feel safe, understood and connected.

It’s a conversation about looking beyond the diagnosis and understanding the person. Listen to Dementia in a Residential Care Home on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/4hpylv6M0SAyUHD2dBJ9ja?si=3gLwY575RoyNZPi46K81Zw

Find out more about Dementia Action Week: https://www.dementia.org.au/get-involved/dementia-action-week

Dementia Action Week: recognising the early signs

Dementia can develop gradually, and some of the early signs can be easy to overlook or dismiss as simply getting older.

In this episode of our podcast Age Old Problems: New Aged Care, we look at some of the early signs of dementia, why recognising them matters, and when it may be time to seek further advice.

Knowing what to look for can help people access the right support sooner. Listen to Recognising the Early Signs of Dementia on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/7gA9gRx6jdUZMc73knuZHD?si=DSrF3nOIRQ-LeMpjFHiPYw

Find out more about Dementia Action Week: https://www.dementia.org.au/get-involved/dementia-action-week

This Dementia Action Week (21-27 September), we're resharing the story of Graham Harding, Residential Services Manager at Helping Hand North Adelaide and Retirement Living Manager, and his powerful poem, In That Careful Keeping.

Dementia touches the lives of many residents, families and staff across Helping Hand every day. With an estimated 446,500 Australians living with dementia and around 1.7 million people involved in their care, starting conversations about dementia is key to building understanding, reducing stigma and ensuring people receive the support they need.

For Graham, dementia care is both a professional passion and a personal one. Inspired by his own family's experience, Graham penned In That Careful Keeping from the perspective of a person living with dementia, capturing the importance of dignity, compassion and connection in care.

As more people enter aged care living with dementia, Graham believes person-centred dementia care should be at the heart of everything we do.

"People living with dementia are complete human beings, with the same value as anyone else."

This Dementia Action Week, take a moment to read Graham's story and reflect on the important role we all play in supporting residents and families living with dementia.

Read the full story and poem here www.helpinghand.org.au/why-dementia-care-matters/

To find out more about Dementia Action Week visit https://www.dementia.org.au/get-involved/dementia-action-week

Seeing the person first: why dementia care matters now more than ever – Helping Hand Learn how person-centred dementia care helps people live with dignity, connection and purpose at Helping Hand.

Update from North Adelaide

Earlier today, there was a fire incident at a retirement living unit adjoining our North Adelaide residential care home. We’re pleased to confirm that the situation is under control and there were no injuries.

Residents were safely evacuated as a precaution and will return to the building shortly.

We’re grateful to the emergency services for their quick response and to our residents, families and staff for their cooperation.

Navigating aged care can be challenging, especially for older people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.

In this edition of At Home with Helping Hand, Consumer Advisory Body member Peggy shares her family's experience and why culturally responsive care matters.

Read Peggy's thoughtful story in the latest edition of our At Home magazine.

https://www.helpinghand.org.au/about-us/resources/our-publications/