Carers learn the importance of looking after their wellbeing

New Zealand Tertiary College (NZTC) supported healthcare assistants with free professional development evenings focused on dementia care in March.

Guest speaker, Laurie Hilsgen, co-founded Carers NZ which is a national support network that provides free information, advice, learning, and an 0800 service for carers in the health and wellbeing environment.

“From the beginning days of NZTC supporting this critical area of our community, NZTC has shone a light on the importance of Caring for the Carers - their health, their wellbeing and their learning. I am thrilled we have had the opportunity to once again visit this topic for our students, graduates and our wider caring community alongside Carers NZ,” says NZTC Chief Executive, Selena Fox.

Sharing past personal experiences as a full-time carer, Laurie captivated 80 attendees at the Auckland and Christchurch campuses with an engaging discussion around dementia and the many different responsibilities carers are often tasked with.

“Carers may do anything from providing emotional and physical support, to managing medication or finances for the individual,” she said.

Laurie highlighted the importance of having coping mechanisms in place for carers to ensure they are happy and healthy in their role and receiving the support they need.

Health and Wellbeing Team Lead, Mehak Kapoor, says that the event was highly useful for NZTC carers.

“Many of the attendees said that the PD evening was important for them, because as carers, they sometimes forget to look after themselves. This topic was a good reminder to do so every day.”

Auckland healthcare assistant, Mona Grover, was also very impressed with the event and says it will be helpful for her personal learning.

“It was extremely useful to hear some of Laurie’s personal experiences in caring for loved ones with dementia. It made the discussion more relatable and very inspirational.”