DTA workshops are a means of gaining diverse information regarding many different aspects of our profession -from the always needed new idea for crafts, celebrations and activities in general to the more specific developments that can affect funding, accreditation and professional practices. A few times a year we run a workshop to specifically address an area of Diversional Therapy practice and innovations. On the 24th April we will hold one of these – DTA have been able to negotiate and secure a special presentation and interactive workshop by the Canadian specialist Prof Sherry Dupuis, that has professionals think about how their practices align with the culture change of person-centred and relational care. Look out for a report in our next issue for how it all went!
April saw the Coffs Harbour workshop on the 17th take place and the tropical feel of the venue and the unseasonably warm weather gave a holiday feel to the day with DT’s and Leisure and lifestyle assistance, new and old, taking an important break away from the workplace to revive, network, learn and relax with others that know exactly the way they are feeling.
David La Spina from the Mental Health team from North Coast Area Health services was a wealth of information on the detection and treatment of depression in older people including the astonishing information regarding the suicide rate of older people in general- a real eye opener for many.
The Aged and Engaged presentation by Benita Kelly certainly had us sitting up and listening as she made us use our own brains and had a plethora of examples of human behaviour and ideas to address the needs of families during the transition to residential care for their loved ones. While
Mary Boyce also from North Coast Area Health services talked about the ACAT assessment process and the processes that they follow in the admission or referral to residential care or Home care packages.
A group contribution to the discussion on volunteering roles and how best to recruit, manage, recognise and if needed letting a volunteer go was informative while dealing with Grief and Loss in the Workplace revisited some of the information we had heard earlier in the day looking at depression, suicide and the guilt associated with the placing of family into care.
Cristina Hurley from PICAC- Partners in Culturally Appropriate Care- took us through the need to maintain the individualism in Cultural Diversity and explored the cultures of the area- including the relatively newly settled Sikh immigrants and the older cultures in the area including her own, Italian.
A great day was enjoyed by all. See the photos attached.
Coming up in the DTA workshop calendar is the Melbourne workshop on the 22nd May followed by the Orange workshop in NSW on the 29th. See the full updated list on the website.
I’d like to also give a big thank you to the DTA board for their lovely words of sympathy recently with the sudden and sad passing of my Sister. It is great to work with an organisation that values their people and the importance of family.
And on that note-Remember “Do not regret growing older. It is a privilege denied to many.”- Unknown
So until next time,
Steph Bejma
Upcoming DTA Workshops.
22nd May- Vic-Melbourne
29th May NSW – Regional -Orange
12th June QLD-Regional- Far North Queensland
26th June SA- Regional-Port Broughton
17th July TAS- Launceston
31st August VIC– Regional – Hamilton
4th September-ACT-Canberra
18th September VIC– Regional – Shepparton
15th October – QLD Activities, Activities, Activities
National Conference workshop- Gold Coast
14th November WA – Perth
17th November NSW-Sydney/ North Ryde (on day of the AGM)
IMPORTANT: These proposed dates are subject to change depending on final arrangements.