Recognising and Responding to Abuse, Assault, and Neglect

Ruth Wearne2024-11-18T14:57:29+11:00November 18th, 2024|Onboarding|

Recognising and Responding to Abuse, Assault, and Neglect in Disability Services

Protecting the well-being of clients in disability services is a fundamental responsibility for all staff. Abuse, assault, and neglect can occur without immediate witnesses, so it’s essential for staff to recognise the signs, understand risk factors, and know how to respond. Below is a summary of how to identify and address abuse and neglect.

Common Forms of Abuse and Neglect

Physical Abuse: Injuries caused by force (e.g., bruises, burns, broken bones).
Sexual Abuse: Unwanted or non-consensual sexual behaviour.
Psychological/Emotional Abuse: Harm to mental health or well-being.
Domestic Violence: Abuse occurring in any household, not just between intimate partners.
Financial Abuse: Misuse or theft of a client’s financial resources.
Neglect: Failing to provide necessary care or attention.
Unlawful Restraint: Use of physical or chemical restraints without proper authorisation.

Responding to Abuse

Ensure Immediate Safety: Administer first aid, and call emergency services if needed.
Remove from Danger: Move the client and staff to a safe area.
Notify Management: Inform your supervisor or manager about the incident.
Preserve Evidence: Avoid disturbing evidence, such as clothing or bedding.
Secure the Scene: Lock the area if possible, and prevent entry until authorities arrive.
Avoid Confronting the Perpetrator: Allow law enforcement to handle the situation.
Complete Incident Report: Document the incident thoroughly using the correct reporting system.

Management’s Role

Coordinate with Authorities: Ensure legal procedures are followed.
Client Support: Offer emotional support and facilitate access to services.
Report and Document: Complete necessary reports and inform relevant authorities.
Handle Communications: Manage family and media communications appropriately.

Risk Factors

Certain clients are more vulnerable to abuse, including:

Individuals with cognitive, communication, or sensory impairments.
Clients with high physical support needs or complex care requirements.
Clients who lack strong social or family connections.

Indicators of Abuse

Physical Abuse: Unexplained injuries or fear of specific individuals.
Sexual Abuse: Pain or bruising around genital areas, behavioural changes.
Psychological/Emotional Abuse: Mood swings, withdrawal, or aggression.
Neglect: Poor hygiene, malnutrition, or inadequate shelter.
Financial Abuse: Sudden changes in finances or denial of access to funds.
Unlawful Restraint: Unauthorised use of physical or chemical restraints.

These are just examples of some of the indicators, please pay attention and if anything is concerning, please speak to the client’s LCS Service Coordinator as soon as possible.

Signs of Potential Staff Misconduct

Spending one-on-one time with clients outside of work duties.
Giving gifts, fostering inappropriate relationships, or using inappropriate language.
Spending too much time in clients’ rooms, especially with the door closed.

Correctly Identifying Abuse

Abuse in disability settings is often minimised or overlooked. Common misconceptions include:

Mislabeling assaults as “behaviour management” issues.
Assuming clients with cognitive impairments are unaffected by abuse.
It’s essential to stay vigilant and report any concerning signs.

Responding to Disclosures of Abuse

First Responders: Remain calm, listen attentively, and avoid leading questions. Reassure the client that their safety is the priority.
Management Response: Ensure safety, notify authorities, and follow legal obligations for reporting.

Mandatory Reporting

In Australia, certain professionals, such as healthcare staff and disability workers, are legally required to report suspected abuse, particularly when it involves children under 16. Failing to report is a criminal offence.

Support for Clients and Staff

For Victims: Offer immediate emotional support and refer clients to specialist services such as sexual assault support services, or culturally sensitive services for clients from diverse backgrounds.
For Reporting Staff: Provide debriefing and counselling support to staff who report abuse.
For Alleged Perpetrators: If an employee is suspected of abuse, they will be suspended pending investigation and may face legal action.

Conclusion

All staff have a crucial role in recognising and responding to abuse and neglect. Stay alert, report concerns, and follow proper procedures to ensure the safety and well-being of clients. Your actions help create a safer environment for everyone involved.

If you ever suspect abuse, neglect, assault, exploitation, or discrimination of a person with a disability at Lifestyle Centred Services, you must fill in an incident report, and speak to the client’s Service Coordinator.

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Professional Boundaries

Ruth Wearne2024-11-18T14:26:55+11:00November 15th, 2024|Onboarding, Uncategorized|

Professional Boundaries

Some clients rely on carers for comprehensive support and may sometimes forget that a Disability Support Worker is there in a professional capacity with a specific role to perform as part of Lifestyle Centred Services (LCS). It’s important to maintain professional boundaries in all interactions, ensuring that the focus remains on the client’s needs and well-being. Please be mindful of the following guidelines when representing LCS:

Keep personal matters separate: Do not discuss personal issues with clients or their carers. The professional relationship is centered on support, not personal matters.
Limit personal contact details: Do not share personal contact information (such as home or mobile phone numbers) with clients or their carers unless specifically authorized by management.
Respect communication boundaries: It is not appropriate for relationships or social interactions to develop through electronic communication (e.g., SMS, email, or social media) between staff, clients, or their families. Please ensure that all communications are directed through the client’s Service Coordinator.
Stay within scheduled hours: Do not visit a client’s home outside of your scheduled shifts.
Declare existing relationships: If you have a pre-existing social relationship with a client (e.g., acquaintance, friend, relative), please inform LCS. We will handle this information with confidentiality and share it only on a need-to-know basis.
Seek support if needed: If you ever feel uncomfortable or encounter a situation that challenges professional boundaries, please reach out to your management team for guidance. We are available 24/7 to provide assistance and advice. Contact us at (03) 9483 4755.”

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Emergency and Disaster Management

Ruth Wearne2021-11-19T14:14:37+11:00November 18th, 2021|Policy Review|

Emergency and Disaster Management Policy (Draft)

1.0 Purpose

The purpose of the Emergency and Disaster Management Policy and Procedure is so our clients feel safe in the event of a disaster (natural or pandemic), knowing Lifestyle Centred Services will provide them with continuity of service. Lifestyle Centred Services focuses on maintaining service delivery to our clients in times of stress and uncertainty.

Though disasters and emergencies may be infrequent, we acknowledge our services are especially important before, during, and after such events, as many clients are beyond the reach of other services and Lifestyle Centred Services provides them with an essential support lifeline.

Lifestyle Centred Services recognises that preparedness for disasters and emergencies is a priority for our organisation and a requirement to ensure the safety of our clients.

Lifestyle Centred Services will endeavour to provide an adequate level of service to our clients before, during and after all types of emergencies.

2.0 Scope

The scope of this policy includes our clients and staff. Our clients will be informed of our emergency procedures to assist them in preparing for an emergency, build their resilience, and maintain their confidence in Lifestyle Centred Services.

Our staff will be well informed and prepared to assist clients in coping in an emergency within the community and in strengthening Lifestyle Centred Services’ disaster resilience.

3.0 Policy

Lifestyle Centred Services places the safety and care of our clients at the forefront of our operational procedures. During a disaster, our team will adhere to this policy framework and work within any additional guidelines and instructions provided by state and federal government authorities to our organisation.

During any disaster, our senior management will undertake the following actions:

Follow all relevant government guidelines and instructions.
Review plans for continuity of support and ensure the safety, health, and wellbeing of each client – before, during and after an emergency or disaster.
Communicate Lifestyle Centred Services’ response to staff, clients and any other relevant parties.
Prepare clients (before any possible actions are taken) by informing them how the current situation may affect their services.
Brief our entire staff on any possible or real action steps required by them.
Attempt to keep key workers allocated to the same clients.
Work towards maintaining continuity of support for each of our clients.

4.0 Procedure

4.1 Preparing for disasters and emergencies

A disaster is any phenomenon, natural or human-made, that has the potential to cause extensive destruction of life and property. An emergency is a situation of grave risk to health, life or environment. The mere mention of either of these two words is enough to make the community, particularly our clients, extremely nervous. The key to being ready for any disaster is having a known and understood plan by all parties. Our organisation management will consult with clients and support networks and staff to periodically review plans, so their management is relevant to the current situation.

Some disasters and emergencies Lifestyle Centred Services may face include:

flood
fire
heatwave
snowstorm
storms or cyclones

Lifestyle Centred Services will:

create plans for each client through a consultation process that incorporate what happens before, during and after any emergency and disaster
stay informed regarding all state/territory and federal government directives and act upon these directives appropriately
advise other organisations, who work with Lifestyle Centred Services, of our disaster procedures and processes
communicate with clients and relevant networks in a manner determined in the Care Plan
identify personnel who are critical in the delivery of essential frontline services
identify Lifestyle Centred Services clients and their stakeholders, whose services may be impacted by the situation
train staff in the implementation of any strategies
implement this policy in conjunction with our Risk Management Policy and Procedure, our Information Management Policy and Procedure and our Human Resource Policy and Procedure
ensure plans explain and guide how the organisation will respond to and oversee the response to an emergency or disaster
develop emergency and disaster plans through consulting with clients and their support networks to create plans for preparing for and responding to disasters that may include
- making changes to client supports
- adapting, and rapidly responding to changes to client supports and other interruptions
- communicating changes to client supports to workers and clients and their support networks.
- informing client and their support network in the manner set out in their plan
- exit strategies (e.g., disaster)
- continuity of supports including various options (e.g., disaster or emergency)
- supports during emergency or disaster
- actions to be taken by staff
- actions to be taken by management
implement the plans as per the consultation
attach any emergency and disaster plans on the service agreement and add them to the client’s file.
plans must be tested and adjusted in the context of a particular disaster by:
- reviewing each plan when a potential disaster is evident (e.g., fire, pandemic)
- adjusting plan due to changes in circumstances
- ensuring continuity of supports are in place
- communicating with the client and support networks in a manner that allows for an understanding of what will occur before, during and after the emergency or disaster
plans will be reviewed in consultation with the client and relevant support networks during the annual risk assessment of the Care Plan review to enable adjustments due to the changing nature of any disaster or emergency

4.2 Supporting the supporters

Vicarious trauma is a real and grave health concern for staff and volunteers of community service organisations such as ours, mainly when working with disaster-affected individuals and communities.

Our Lifestyle Centred Services will determine the best means to support our staff in a disaster situation and will implement all appropriate measures as detailed in our Human Resource Management Policy and Procedure.

4.3 Consumer preparedness

Lifestyle Centred Services understands that it is more likely that our clients will be adversely impacted by an emergency or disaster than others in the community.

We acknowledge that we may not provide the same level of service to our clients during or immediately after an emergency or disaster situation. For these reasons, all of our clients must be supported by Lifestyle Centred Services to prepare for changes due to a disaster or an emergency.

Lifestyle Centred Services will:

inform clients of the current situation and how the provision of their services and workers may be impacted
consult with clients and support networks on the plan’s development and any adjustments or changes in circumstances. Always ensuring that they are informed of what will occur before, during and after any disaster or emergency.
continue to provide clients with the same key workers if they are available
replace key workers with experienced workers who have the knowledge and skills to provide appropriate care to the client
inform the client of any service changes and outline reason/s for these changes
seek support within the local care community if our staff are unavailable, and ensure that any new workers are appropriately experienced, trained and hold all relevant checks required.

4.4 Staff preparedness

Our team is our greatest asset; our focus is that they and their loved ones remain safe during an emergency or disaster.

Lifestyle Centred Services will help prepare our staff for an emergency or disaster by implementing the following:

inform staff of the situation and what is required by them via email, online messaging, Zoom meetings or similar
train workers in all required measures and strategies identified in the plan, e.g., infection control, social distancing and evacuation
seek feedback from clients regarding their services to adjust information distribution, if necessary
seek feedback from staff about actions undertaken, any issues or concerns, and what worked well.
inform staff of our client’s requirements outlined in their Care Plan.

5.0 Related documents

LCS-PP-COR281 Continuity of Supports Policy
LCS-PP-COR221 Risk Management Policy
LCS-PP-COR241 Information Management Policy
LCS-PP-COR271 Human Resources Management Policy
LCS-PP-COR261 Reportable Incident, Accident and Emergency Policy
LCS-PP-COR212 Work Health and Safety Environmental Management Policy

6.0 References

Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (Commonwealth)
Privacy Act 1988 (Commonwealth)
Disability Services Act 1986 (Commonwealth)
NDIS Practice Standards and Quality Indicators 2020
National Disability Insurance Scheme (Provider Registration and Practice Standards) Amendment (2021 Measures No. 1) Rules 2021

Your Feedback

Thank you for taking the time to read our draft policy – we would really appreciate a few moments of your time to record your feedback. Our Quality Team will review your feedback, which will help us make sure this policy is relevant and informed on the views and insights of our clients and staff.

I have feedback!

I don’t have any feedback at this time. Take me to the home page.

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Victorian Disability Worker Registration

Ruth Wearne2021-07-01T12:10:24+10:00July 1st, 2021|Uncategorized|

Victorian Disability Worker Registration – Now Open

Applications for registration via the Victorian Disability Worker Commission are now open to Victorian disability workers from 1 July 2021. Registration supports a safer, stronger disability sector. Lifestyle Centred Services supports and welcomes the standards of the regulation scheme.

Registration ensures Victoria’s disability workers meet independent standards for safety, skills and professionalism, no matter how they are funded or employed.

Information on the requirements of registration, the registration process and how to register is available in the links below.

For Disability Workers

Registration aims to increase trust and confidence in your work. By registering, you will be supporting a stronger, safer disability sector.

As a registered worker, you can also show employers you are safe, skilled and professional.

There are currently no fees to register, and registration is voluntary.
If you do choose to remain unregistered, The Disability Services Safeguards Standards Act 2018 (The Act) requires you to comply with the Disability Service Safeguards – Code of Conduct

By applying to register from 1 July 2021, you can qualify with two years of experience if you do not hold a qualification.

To find out more about registration for disability workers, download a fact sheet or accessible version.

More information about registration is also available in these Frequently Asked Questions.

We have attached some useful information from the Commission about how to prepare you application for registration to this email.

We hope that you take up this opportunity to ensure that the Disability Sector is stronger and safer, and to further legitimise the work that we all do.

For people with a disability, their family and carers

Registered workers will have been assessed to be safe, skilled and professional.

People with a disability, their families and carers can be confident registered workers will meet professional standards – no matter what service provider they work for, where they advertise their services or how their services are funded.

To help a person you support find out more about registered workers, download a fact sheet or easy English or accessible versions.

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Newsletter – 13th August 2020

Ruth Wearne2020-08-13T15:51:53+10:00August 13th, 2020|Uncategorized|

Important Highlights

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) – how to don and doff and correct disposal methods
Infection control, hand hygiene and cleaning considerations
Exercise for Mental Health
“Conscious Attention” and Mindfulness

Update

To be able to care for our clients, you have to put you first. That means that you need to know about donning and doffing Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) correctly, practice physical distancing wherever you’re able; hand hygiene; infection control and other measures we have put in place to look after each other and our clients.

We have your back.

You should have all received our COVID-19 plan in your email the other day. This is a really comprehensive document that outlines our recommendations for practice and safety measures while caring for clients during this pandemic.

In this newsletter, we’ll talk about PPE: what changes have been made for the disability sector, how to correctly put it on and take it off, dispose of it, and other infection prevention control measures.

We’ve all been working hard to keep our team and clients safe. This includes the work of volunteers who have taken upon the task of making three layered reusable cloth masks based on DHHS recommendations for the design of masks. See the image to the right. Aren’t they just lovely? Thank you volunteers!

Another batch of three layered masks from our wonderful volunteers!

Exercise for our Mental Health

Exercise – we all know it’s good for us, but at the moment, sometimes it can feel impossible.

But the fact is, even a small amount of exercise can have a positive impact on our energy levels throughout the day, increase productivity, improve our sleep and clarity, help us have sharper memories, and provide us with a sense of relaxation and positivity.

Now more than ever is a good time to make a plan to fit that purposeful exercise into your day! The Black Dog Institute has put a fact sheet together to help kick start you in the right direction. It covers the importance of exercise for health care workers during COVID-19, challenges related to COVID-19, tips for safely exercising during COVID-19 and (most importantly!) overcoming barriers to exercising.

Your “Conscious Attention”

Conscious attention is the part of your attention that makes up conscious awareness. That is, the contents of attention that we can access to report on.

One of the greatest challenges to conscious attention is something that all of us do on a regular basis. Multitasking.

When more things that ever are vying for our attention, multitasking is a way we can spread everything out so we don’t miss anything, right?

Wrong.

By multitasking, we are actually training ourselves to become distracted, and less mindful.

Multitasking behaviour actually raises our stress levels by raising cortisol (the stress hormone), resulting in impulsiveness, low self-control and poor decision making.

Similarly ‘task-switching’ – which is moving from one task to the next without any space in between (robot style) also inherently limits our conscious attention because it is forced to bounce from one thing to another. This can reduce our ability to be compassionate in our thinking because we are so focussed on getting things done and there is no time or space for anything else.

So what can we do about it? We can pay attention.

The practice of mindfulness is not a mystical way of being, rather than a practice of paying attention to the present moment on purpose with a non-judgemental attitude toward yourself. The present moment is where happiness begins and when we do this on purpose? We become less about our circumstances, and more about the choices we make.

This this TEDxNYU talk, Sam Chase asks you to pay attention, exploring what it means to be truly mindful and how everyone of us can incorporate the practice into our lives.

Next time you finish something, we challenge you to switch everything off and really pay attention – you might be surprised about what the present moment has to say.

Take care of you, look after each other and reach out for support if you need it.

Personal Protective Equipment – Changes and Considerations

Donning and doffing PPE is a critical process that requires significant care. PPE is used to create a barrier between the worker and any infectious agents (spread through airborne, contact or droplets) that they may come into contact with. The aim is to reduce the risk of touching, transmitting or being exposed to pathogens. Disability Support Workers are now mandated to wear a mask and goggles inside a client’s home.

Depending on the level of care you’re providing, you may also require other types of PPE to keep you and the client safe. But the order in which you don and doff the PPE remains the same.

Donning

Perform hand hygiene
Put on a gown (if necessary)
- Fully cover your torso from your neck to knees and your arms to the end of your wrists, then tie at the back.
- The gown should be large enough to allow for unrestricted movement without gaping.
- Fasten at the back of the neck and waist.
Put on a mask (surgical or reusable)
- If your mask has ties, secure them at the middle of the head and neck
- If your mask has bands, secure them around your ears
- Fit the flexible band to the nose bridge
- Fit mask snug to face and below the chin
Put on protective eye-wear
- Place over eyes and adjust to fit
Put on gloves (if necessary)
- Extend the gloves to cover the wrist of the gown

If at any point your PPE becomes contaminated, you must dispose of it, perform hand hygeine and replace it.

If your PPE is disposable, place the waste bag in the outside rubbish disposal, and perform hand hygeine again.

Doffing

Remove your gloves in the room you’re providing care
- Using one hand, grasp the palm of the other hand and peel off the first glove.
- Hold the removed glove in the gloved hand.
- Slide fingers of the ungloved hand under the remaining glove at the wrist and peel it off over the first glove.
- Discard gloves in a waste container.
Perform hand hygiene
Remove gown in the room you’re providing care
- Unfasten the ties, ensuring the sleeves don’t make contact with your body.
- Pull the gown away from your neck and shoulders, touching the inside only.
- Turn the gown inside out.
- Fold or roll the gown into a bundle, and discard in a waste container.
Perform hand hygiene
Exit the room
Remove goggles
- Remove from the back of the head by lifting the headband or ear piece.
- If reusable, clean the goggles
Perform hand hygiene
Remove mask
- Grasp the bottom ties/elastics, and remove without touching the front of the mask
- Discard in a waste container
Immediately perform hand hygiene

In this video, Alison McMillan, Australia’s Chief Nursing and Midwifery Officer describes the process of donning and doffing PPE and the techniques used.

The correct procedure for donning and doffing all kinds of PPE. You may need more or less of this depending on the type of support you provide.

Exceptions for Face Coverings

There are some exceptions for wearing face coverings while at work. These are

If you have a physical or mental health condition or disability which makes wearing the face covering unsuitable.
The visibility of your mouth is essential for communicating with the client.
The nature of your work means that wearing a face covering creates a risk to your health and safety; or
You are asked to remove the mask to ascertain your identity; or
for emergency purposes.

Eye Wear

We have purchased and are distributing reusable eye wear to staff as soon as we can resource them.

If you have any availability to purchase your own single use or three-layered cloth masks and reusable safety goggles, we really appreciate this: you can claim the expense back on your tax return

Cleaning and Infection Control

Cleaning is really important for infection control – particularly in work areas.

Prepare all your cleaning needs immediately before you use them.
Surfaces should be cleaned with a neutral detergent and warm water solution, rinsed and dried before and after each use or when visibly soiled. Spills should be cleaned up as soon as practicible.
When a disinfectant is required for surface cleaning, the manufacturer’s recommendations for use are ALWAYS to be followed.
Buckets should be emptied after use, washed with detergent and warm water, rinsed with hot water and stored dry, turned upside down.
Mops should be cleaned in detergent and warm water, rinsed in hot water, then stored dry.
Mop heads are best when they’re detachable so they can be put away, but you can store the mop with the head up too if this isn’t an option.
If a mop has been used to clean up any blood or other body fluids, use PPE to clean with detergent and warm water – rinsed with hot water and stored dry.

We want to say thank you to ALL our support workers for their magnificent hard work and support over the last 6 months – for your flexibility and resilience.

We are so grateful for you all.

If you work with someone magnificent, who has gone above and beyond, or shown exceptional value, we’d love to hear about why you think they are. If you’d like to send a thank you to a team member of LCS, please let us know and we’ll have it published in our next newsletter.

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Coronavirus: Update from Director

Ruth Wearne2020-03-25T14:12:54+11:00March 25th, 2020|Spotlight On, Wellbeing|

Hello Staff,

Please see below letter from our Director regarding the Covid-19 Pandemic.

Click on the thumbnail to open.

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Summer Safety

Ruth Wearne2019-12-06T14:39:26+11:00December 6th, 2019|Spotlight On, Wellbeing|

We’ve always been serious about hot days, it’s time to put good preparation to use.

This summer is tipped to be a hot one, and for some of our regional clients and staff, this means an increased fire risk. For everyone of you, however, there are precautions to take with heat to ensure you and your family remain healthy and safe.

That’s why we’ve created our Summer Info Pack for the first time ever, with:

Food Preparation Safety
Heat Wave Safety
Extreme Fire Danger Safety
Bushfire Plan

It’s not all doom and gloom though – get out there and have some fun at one of the wonderful accessible beaches around Victoria. We’re big advocates for even more of these inclusive beaches. Check out the ever-growing list at accessiblebeaches.com

Our final page of this guide lists Victorian accessible beaches.

We hope all our staff and clients have a terrific and safe summer period!!

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The Internal Jobs Board

Ruth Wearne2019-09-23T14:35:06+10:00September 23rd, 2019|Did You Know?, Spotlight On|

Our Internal Jobs Board

Did you know that you can access our Internal Jobs Board via the Employee Hub? New jobs are added regularly and you can filter by location and search for positions that may suit you!

You can filter by location, which we have broken down into:

A variety of jobs will be available – for placement with clients with a disability or mental health concerns, as well as administrative positions from time to time.

You will need to keep in mind that your application will be assessed against other external applicants; that your roster must not clash with the required shifts for the role; and that you will need up-to-date documentation for your application to be considered. All you will need to do is enter your name and submit it to the Recruitment Team using the ‘submit’ button on the job posting. They will assess your current details to see whether you will be a suitable applicant for the role.

As always, LCS always leaves the final decision to employ someone for the program with the client and their support network.

Search for Jobs!

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Our Guidedog in Training – Nerryn

Ruth Wearne2019-09-17T14:41:39+10:00September 12th, 2019|Did You Know?, Spotlight On|

Nerryn

Nerryn joined Lifestyle Centred Services Head Office team in October 2018 as a Guidedog in Training, living with our Operations Manager, Tarina Venturin.

Nerryn has become a staple of our every day here in Seaford, and enjoys greeting us every morning, one by one, snoozing under our desks and eating carrots!

Having Nerryn around has been a wonderful time for all of us at Head Office and she’s grown up so much since we first laid eyes on her as a 10 week old puppy.

Nerryn has been undergoing some rigorous training ready to be a guidedog for one very special owner when her time comes. We’re all a little sorry to say that we don’t think she’ll be with us for too much longer. Tarina especially is anticipating a very big change for her. Dogs just have the ability to grab you by your heart and never let go, but we hope she is just the first of many Guidedogs we can help train up ready for some very important work throughout their very special lives.

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RUOK Day – 12 September 2019

Ruth Wearne2019-09-17T14:42:14+10:00September 10th, 2019|Spotlight On, Wellbeing|

This Thursday, 12th of Septmber is RUOK? Day – a national day of action dedicated to inspiring all people of all backgrounds to regularly check in with each other and ask “Are you OK?”

This year’s national theme for RUOK? Day is Trust the Signs, Ask R U OK?

It aims to prevent suicide by encouraging Australians to connect with someone they care about and help stop little problems turning into big ones.

To support and encourage our staff to have important conversations about mental health with their fellow colleagues, clients they support, family or friends, we are hosting an optional training module (unpaid) via our Training Portal on the LCS Website, developed by Beyond Blue “Managing Mental Health Risks at Work”.

This training resource will be available for accessing by all staff from RUOK? Day 2019 indefinitely for your reference throughout your career at LCS. This is because these conversations should not just happen on this annual day, but are something to be aware of every day.

Staying connected with others is crucial to our general health and wellbeing. Feeling isolated or hopeless can contribute to depression, anxiety and other mental illnesses. Regular, meaningful conversations can protect those we know and love. A conversation could change a life.

What are the signs someone might need some extra support?

Over the last fortnight, have you noticed two or more of the below?

Changes to their physical appearance?
- Looking more tired than usual
- Seem “flat” or drained of energy
- Have had a pattern of illness or being constantly run down
- Are complaining of physical health issues, such as headaches/migraines
- Are eating much more or much less than usual
- Are drinking more alcohol than usual
- Seem more fidgety or nervous than usual
Changes in mood?
- Seem more irritable, snappy, or fly off the handle when they normally wouldn’t
- Appear more anxious or worried about everything ie. work and personal life
- React more emotionally than the situation warrants
- Are quick to anger
- Appear to be overwhelmed by tasks that they had previously found manageable
Changes in behaviour?
- Struggles to see a positive side eg. “It’s always terrible…”
- Seem to think the worst eg. they might conclude that two people in a meeting are discussing their performance or future in the workplace
- Personalise situations eg. “I knew I’d get the toughest roster – they’ve got it in for me”
- Saying things that sound more confused or irrational
- Complain they have difficulty switching off

If you have noticed two or more of these changes, they might need some extra support. It’s time for you to start a conversation.

If you want to read more on how you can have a conversation with someone you’re worried about, you can read this practical guide (download below).

Download the Guide

Help in a Crisis

The truth is, some conversations just become too big for colleagues, families or friends. If you’re worried about someone and feel urgent professional support is needed, contact your local doctor or the agencies below.

Like you, R U OK? is not equipped to offer crisis intervention or expert counselling and our website is no substitute for the professional care available from the following organisations:

13 11 14
Call 24/7 for crisis support

1300 659 467
People at risk of suicide, carers and bereaved

1800 55 1800
Counselling for young people
5-25 years

1300 845 745
Counselling service for people suffering grief.

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Qualitylcs

About Ruth Wearne

November 2024

Recognising and Responding to Abuse, Assault, and Neglect in Disability Services

Common Forms of Abuse and Neglect

Responding to Abuse

Management’s Role

Risk Factors

Indicators of Abuse

Signs of Potential Staff Misconduct

Correctly Identifying Abuse

Responding to Disclosures of Abuse

Mandatory Reporting

Support for Clients and Staff

Conclusion

Professional Boundaries

November 2021

Emergency and Disaster Management Policy (Draft)

1.0 Purpose

2.0 Scope

3.0 Policy

4.0 Procedure

4.1 Preparing for disasters and emergencies

4.2 Supporting the supporters

4.3 Consumer preparedness

4.4 Staff preparedness

5.0 Related documents

6.0 References

Your Feedback

July 2021

Victorian Disability Worker Registration – Now Open

For Disability Workers

For people with a disability, their family and carers

August 2020

Important Highlights

Update

Exercise for our Mental Health

Your “Conscious Attention”

Personal Protective Equipment – Changes and Considerations

Donning

Doffing

Exceptions for Face Coverings

Eye Wear

Cleaning and Infection Control

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