Promoting health and wellbeing management
In topics 3.1 and 3.2 we outlined some of the physical health needs and conditions associated with HIV and the ageing process.
The resources below are highly recommended for Peer Navigators and the older people living with HIV they may be working with.[1]
They contain useful tips and strategies for managing many of the health and wellbeing issues we have been discussing.
Remember that as a Peer Navigator your role is to listen, support and link.
You always need to work within the scope of your role.
You should support older people living with HIV to have good relationships with their HIV specialists, GPs and other health providers.
Peer Navigators can support but not replace these relationships. These health providers are responsible for supporting the clinical management of your client’s health and wellbeing.
Many older people living with HIV will come to Peer Navigators with very well-established relationships with HIV and other health practitioners.
Older people with more recent diagnoses may need help to find and connect with various medical services and supports.
Key discussions for supporting improved physical health and wellbeing might include:
- Working out what is important to you client in terms of their physical and psychosocial health. Helping them plan accordingly.
- Focussing on ways to stop smoking, reduce alcohol and other drug use, improve diet, and increase physical activity. Prevention is better than cure.
- Helping them plan, manage and maintain positive relationships with HIV specialists, GPs and other providers.
- Knowing about HIV treatments and when to start taking them.
- Following recommended HIV treatment plans and how to avoid treatment breaks.
- Understanding drug interactions (as well as recreational drugs) and ensuring health practitioners are aware of all medications being taken.
- Maintaining vaccinations on medical advice.
- Regular check-ups and health monitoring.
The Body Positive New Zealand resource contains a Checklist for healthy ageing with HIV.
Peer Navigators may find it is a useful tool for supporting conversations about physical health and wellbeing, as well as support needs.
Each item on the checklist could be turned into open questions to support conversations about health management.
Remember from Module 2 (Client Work) that asking open questions is a good way to demonstrate active listening.
Asking open questions doesn’t limit a response to Yes/No and encourages your client to share their experience.
Figure 5: Checklist for healthy ageing with HIV, Body Positive New Zealand
[1] Note that these resources are focused on Victoria and New Zealand and contain information that is not always directly applicable to other places. The Victorian resource is also a little bit out of date. Things change quickly!