Day: October 6, 2023

I was listening to a podcast the other day that was talking about the benefits of having a Learning Journal.

Basically, it is a way of capturing those little learning moments that happen on the job or while talking with someone else. Think about it!

In our face paced world, how many moments have you had in your career that have been, gone & now forgotten because they were not captured?

So what is a Learning Journal?

Think of it as a personalised space where you can reflect and collect your thoughts on an exchange of ideas that enhance your understanding on a subject or makes you look at a topic from another viewpoint. It can take the form of a small notebook (digital or hard copy) or audio files where you can capture learning moments you pick up during the day. 

Consider, talking with a resident, another team member, someone in your head office. Had you reflected on these moments and captured them somehow, where would you be now as far as integrating that knowledge into your daily life?

You see, not all learning happens through a formal training course.  A lot of our learning moments happen on the job or during our everyday lives.  These moments are part of our ongoing professional development.

Even mistakes are perfect learning moments, if you remember to record the lesson & reflect on how you could improve next time. Try keeping a small notebook to quickly jot down main points of any learning moments, doesn’t matter how big or small or where they come from.  The momentum of building this behaviour and accumulating your learnings will start to drive a self-reflection – which is a big part of our ongoing

DCM Institute is 100% behind Ageism Awareness Day, which is tomorrow, and supports all moves to end the abuse and discrimination of people aged over 50.

“Ageism is not some hollow empty trendy word, and there was hard evidence that stereotyping and discrimination against older people was damaging to the health and well-being of older Australians in many areas,” said Co-Chair of EveryAGE Counts Robert Tickner, the former Minister for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Affairs and the former Australian Red Cross CEO.

“It often starts when people, in their earlier fifties, are denied jobs or promotions. Later on in life it is often a root cause and contributor to elder abuse and the mistreatment in aged care exposed by the Aged Care Royal Commission.

“The statistics on unemployment of people over 50 are very revealing. 20 years ago, 1 in 20 people who were unemployed were between 50 and 65 but now that figure has doubled to 1 in 10, and worse, these people make up a much larger group among the long-term unemployed.

“All of us, if we live into our fifties or older will be impacted by ageism and that is one of the reasons we support intergenerational solidarity. Older Australians like the rest of the community want to be treated as individuals and not treated differently simply because they are older.

“There are so many false assumptions about older people which strip them of their agency and right to control their own lives, as our survey also revealed. Things like false assumptions about the inevitability of dementia as we age, lack of capacity of older people in the workforce when many want to, and are capable of, working, and false assumptions about needing help when many want to be self-reliant. Too often older people are talked down to in the community and in health care which further strips them of their autonomy and dignity.

“Sure some older people may need support but the bottom line is that it is best to see older people as individuals and not make generalised assumptions or gratuitous, thoughtless and offensive jokes about their age.”

EveryAGE Counts’ website houses “The Real Old” which is a myth busting publication blowing false stereotypes about ageing out of the water. It is highly recommended.

October is Breast Cancer Awareness month and is the second most commonly diagnosed cancer in Australia.

In retirement villages, this month can take on special significance. In watching this day be observed in villages around the country, there is a great unifying moment when you realise that this disease has touched staff and residents either personally or through loved ones.

With 9 people losing their lives to the disease every day, this month is an important time each year to highlight why research in this area is so crucial.

By advocating for breast cancer awareness and fundraising, our communities can contribute to one of the many charities that support this cause. This can be from funding research through to supporting those impacted by breast cancer.

One of the most visible ways to support Breast Cancer Awareness Month is by wearing pink throughout October.

Retirement village residents can encourage their fellow community members to join in, creating a sea of pink that symbolizes unity and support. Holding events like pink-themed gatherings, educational seminars, and fundraising activities can further enhance the sense of belonging and purpose for our residents, and staff.

There are a number of charities who would love to hear from you during Breast Cancer Awareness Month, including the National Breast Cancer Foundation or the McGrath Foundation.

We are also aware of operators and Managers who have existing established fund raising events during the month of October, and we will be sharing their successes during the month via our LinkedIn page.

Whether your goal is to educate your community about breast cancer, to promote breast health with screening reminders and mammogram incentives; or to raise money for charities and breast cancer research; to Honor the fallen, or to support current patients and survivors – you and your residents can make a difference.