Today is RU 😉K? Day, a national day of action, reminding and encouraging us to check in with family, friends and colleagues and have meaningful conversations about mental health and wellbeing.
So many team members at Catholic Healthcare give of themselves every day to provide direct care and support to our residents and clients. It’s easy to forget to prioritise their own wellbeing and check in with those around them too.
We are lucky at Catholic Healthcare to have another wonderful source of wisdom to draw on for advice on resilience and supporting others facing difficult times – the older people we work with every day. Our residents and clients may have faced personal loss, illness, war and upheaval in their lives, and supported loved ones through difficult times too.
So, we asked them to share some of their insights on RU 😉K? Day.
Mary, who is one of our Home Care clients, said, “I went through a divorce while working and raising three children, and managed to get through with the support of my Mother, Mother-in-law, friends and the Church. Nobody can go through things by themselves – be honest and speak to the people around you.”
Catholic Healthcare Home Care client, Mary
Joyce, who lives at our Jemalong Retirement Village, lost her husband, son and sister in the past 12 months, and is grateful for the support of her fellow residents and remaining family. She says:
“I walk every morning very early and that has helped me manage. I can face almost any of life’s challenges that are thrown at me. With all the support I have been shown, it has made me feel loved and part of a family, however I still must walk this journey on my own and I know there is always someone there to stand beside me.
Everyone always says, “Things get a little easier as time goes by!” so that is my advice to anyone who is feeling overwhelmed. And be kind to yourself and do things your way.”
Jemalong Retirement Village resident, Joyce
Fay, from one of our Residential Aged Care homes said she often saw an older neighbour who needed some help, and she always offered him food or warmth and it was easy to help him out.
Residential Aged Care resident, Fay
Another of our Residential Aged Care residents Victor said prayer and time with family and the support of them always remains valuable and helpful.
Thank you to all our great residents, clients and employees and every day is a great day to ask RU 😉K?
For more information and resources for you and your loved ones, visit the RU 😉K? website.