Speak Out Feb 2020 DIGITAL EDITION. pdf

EXPRESSION OF INTEREST SPA AGED CARE WORKING PARTY Speech Pathology Australia invites applications from suitably qualified and experienced speech pathologists to join SPA’s Aged Care Working Party. Speech Pathology Australia (the Association) has identified ageing and aged care as strategic priority areas. The Association’s Aged Care Working Party (ACWP) has been established to bring together a panel of experienced speech pathologists with clinical and research expertise in ageing and aged care to inform the profession’s strategic response to aged care reforms. Furthermore, the input of this group guides formulation of clinical and professional recommendations based on the best available evidence and expert opinion. The SPA Senior Advisor Aged Care seeks advice and guidance from the ACWP, with collaboration aiming to achieve the outcome of strengthening the profile of the speech pathology profession in the aged care sector and optimise the health and wellbeing of older Australians. The ACWP meets quarterly by teleconference, with one face-to-face meeting annually at National Office (interstate applicants are supported to attend). Further details can be obtained by contacting Kym Torresi, Senior Advisor Aged Care, at National Office on 1300 368 835. Please forward a brief letter outlining your experience and interest in the ACWP, along with your CV to: Kym Torresi, Senior Advisor Aged Care, agedcare@speechpathologyaustralia.org.au by Wednesday 19 February 2020 .

FROM LEFT: Zoe Lam, Clare Koyama, Clinical Educator Jane Watts, Mikayla Hutchings.

and post- survey with eight first year ACU nursing students. On average, the students rated the usefulness of the in-service 4.6 out of 5. Given the feedback we received from the students and their clinical educator, we concluded that the in-services were of benefit to the students and were an appropriate way to add value to their learning. Although we agree that the placement initially felt a little unknown, as we learned more about the facilities, their requirements, and the role of the speech pathologists who already serviced them, we felt much more confident in our own role. Our aged care placement was slower paced than one in an acute hospital setting, but this just meant we were able to spend so much more time with the residents and add the most value we possibly could. Unfortunately, due to the nature of the setting, we also faced some emotional and confronting situations which we regularly debriefed about together. Reflecting on these experiences, we feel fortunate to have had such a challenging, diverse and rewarding placement in aged care. With our placement journey quickly coming to its end, we feel saddened to say goodbye to the residents, families and staff we have met and worked closely with along the way but feel proud of the value we have been able to add and the extensive advocacy we have undertaken to promote speech pathology and communication in these facilities. Mikayla Hutchings Australian Catholic University Fourth year speech pathology student

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February 2020 www.speechpathologyaustralia.org.au

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