Download PDF: RAC Communiqué February 2020
In this edition
Editorial
Case #1 Beyond our control
Case #2 We did our best
Expert Commentary Working in an adverse social context
Expert Commentary Impact of Chronic Stress on - Cognition and the Brain
Expert Commentary Surviving work when under fire - a personal reflection
Expert Commentary The IDDSI Framework
Volunteers to test pilot podcasts of RAC-Communiqué
List of Resources
Editorial
Welcome to the first issue of 2020, in this edition of the RAC-Communique we present the investigations into the deaths of one resident choking and, another from mixed prescription drug sedation. In both cases the coroner determined the residential aged care facility had provided care to the best of their ability.
These cases highlight that inquiries and investigations are about identifying the facts and not apportioning blame. We hope these two examples counterbalance the prevailing community view from 2019 that casts the whole aged sector in a negative light.
While some criticisms our sector are well founded, what is often forgotten is the impact on the individual staff. We have three commentaries about working in a high stress environment. Our experts provide viewpoints of a nurse, neuropsychologist and organisational psychologist which the address the adverse impacts and how to cope. The fourth commentary is clinically focused. Julie Cichero addresses issues around choking, food consistency, and the importance of a standardised systems approach.
Finally, we need your help. We are seeking expressions of interest from subscribers to help us test a pilot podcast of the RAC-Communiqué.