HESTA supports OCAV in quest to become a dementia friendly organisation

A one-year professional development program focusing on wellbeing and mental health will be rolled out by the Old Colonists’ Association of Victoria thanks to support from HESTA.

The training support package is a gift to OCAV which marks its 150^th anniversary this year, and will underpin the organisation’s move to becoming a dementia friendly organisation by 2020.

Nick Duffy, Team Leader – Client Partnerships Victoria and Tasmania, announced the support on Aged Care Employee Day at Liscombe House, our aged care home.

HESTA is the largest industry super fund dedicated to health and community services.

“At HESTA, we want to support bold organisations who demonstrate leadership in their field, and OCAV is a leader when it comes to setting trends and looking after older people,” he said.

The focus on ensuring the wellbeing of staff as part of the journey to become a dementia friendly organisation is deliberate, according to Phillip Wohlers, CEO.

“Dementia care research has shown that it is vital to provide support and training to carers and family members of people with dementia. Carers face many challenges and are at increased risk of stress, depression and other illnesses,” he said.

“If our staff are to provide the best possible care for our elderly residents then we have to provide support and training not just about dementia but also how to recognise the signs of stress and anxiety, build mental health literacy and learn how to care for their own mental health,” Phillip Wohlers added.

The training package includes evidence-based wellbeing training run by the esteemed Black Dog Institute for OCAV’s 149 staff, as well as Conversations for Change which will focus on the journey to become dementia friendly.

Aged Care Employee Day recognises the rewarding and challenging profession that aged care workers dedicate themselves to.

The announcement was followed by Nick Duffy and Phillip Wohlers signing up as dementia friends.