It’s true: substance abuse therapy could boost wellbeing for aged care workers

Motivational therapy, which is commonly used to help overcome addiction or substance abuse, could improve the health and wellbeing of aged care workers, according to new research by the University of South Australia (UniSA). In the UniSA study, frontline aged care workers received counselling and education on personal goal setting, actions, and coping from exercise physiologists. Their activity intensity was also measured. After three months, the research subjects’ exercise autonomy increased by nearly 9% and their fitness improved. Participants also reported improvements in other health behaviours, such as eating better, seeking more help from health professionals, and not being so hard on themselves when they slipped up. From the findings, the researchers concluded that motivational interviewing can empower disengaged aged care workers to take control of their mental and physical health, thereby boosting workplace wellbeing. The SOURCE: Workforce is the biggest challenge facing the aged care sector today. Any measures that improve recruitment and retention are welcomed – it would be wonderful to see aged care providers assist their frontline staff with this therapy.