Parenting Up with Australian Unity

Episode 7 - Embracing Change: Understanding Care Options and Transitions

When we get to that point in our lives when we have to move out of our family home and find accommodation that's easier to manage, how do we create a "home away from home"? And how can the family and children of older people have a calm and supportive discussion about what to do when the time comes? Australian Unity's National General Manager of Residential Care, Brett Lafranchie, joins  performer, author and ‘Parenting Up with Australian Unity’ host, Jean Kittson AM, to discuss helping a parent chose the most appropriate supported accommodation option and strategies to make the transition as smooth as possible. See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.

Episode 6 - Building Bridges: The Power of New Friendships and Community

Do you know much about your parents’ social life? Do they regularly catch up for coffee with friends, head out on social outings, or take part in a club? Or are they spending a lot of time alone? Humans are highly social creatures, and we depend on strong personal relationships with family, friends and our community to support and sustain us through life. Unfortunately, as we age, our social circles can shrink. But what can we do about it? Prue Bowden, CEO of Australian Unity Home Health, and Jean Kittson AM, performer, author and ‘Parenting Up with Australian Unity’ host, discuss loneliness and aging, and provide tips for helping our parents stay connected.   To learn more about parenting up, visit: https://www.australianunity.com.au/wellbeing/community-and-relationships/helping-your-parents-with-loneliness  See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.

Episode 5 - Mind Matters: Cognitive Wellbeing in Ageing Parents

Have you noticed your parent becoming increasingly repetitive, forgetful, or acting out of character? While these can be signs of normal cognitive decline and part of the natural aging process, they could also be symptoms of dementia. A dementia diagnosis is scary, but early intervention is key, and there are a number of simple things your parent can do to maintain their wellbeing and independence for as long as possible. Senior geriatric expert Professor Peter Gonski has a wealth of experience in managing older people’s conditions and progressing models of care. He joins performer, author and host of ‘Parenting Up with Australian Unity’, Jean Kittson AM, to explain how to recognise the signs of declining cognitive health, when to raise your concerns, and what to do after a dementia diagnosis. To learn more about parenting up, visit: https://www.australianunity.com.au/wellbeing/community-and-relationships/recognising-cognitive-decline-in-your-parent  See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.

Episode 4 - Exploring Assisted Living: Balancing Independence and Support

As your parents get older, you might notice some changes around their house. The laundry is stacking up, food in the fridge is going off, or the carpet needs a good vacuum. Perhaps you’ve noticed a change in your parents themselves—the shopping is getting harder to carry, they’re eating less, or not going out as much.  These could all be signs they need some extra help—but getting your parents to accept that they need help might be a different question altogether. Putting it bluntly, suggesting that your parents need some extra help can be a minefield.  In this episode Australian Unity's CEO of Home Health, Prue Bowden, and General Manager of Service Delivery, Elizabeth Albury, join performer, author and 'Parenting Up with Australian Unity' host, Jean Kittson AM, to discuss how to navigate these conversations, and how in-home help can be used to help your parents stay independent for longer.  To learn more about parenting up, visit: https://www.australianunity.com.au/wellbeing/community-and-relationships/how-to-help-ageing-parents-with-their-health  See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.

Episode 3 - Decoding Post-Retirement Care: Finding the Right Funding

Ageing happens even to the best of us, and our research into the wellbeing of Australians tells us that the state of our finances can affect how content we are in our golden years. It may be tough to talk to your parents about how they'll fund their care as they age, but it's an essential discussion, and the best way to ensure their post-retirement financial planning is set-up correctly. Talking to your parents about their financial plans now, while they’re relatively fit and healthy, can help to smooth the way for any hard decisions you may have to make later on down the track. In this episode of ‘Parenting Up with Australian Unity’ podcast, the CEO of Australian Unity Bank, Matthew Ricker, and performer, author and podcast host, Jean Kittson AM, share the key considerations for funding post-retirement care, and explain why ignorance isn’t bliss when it comes to money.   To learn more about parenting up, visit: https://www.australianunity.com.au/wellbeing/community-and-relationships/helping-parents-plan-for-post-retirement-care  See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.