Celebrating
Spiritual Care Week
Stephanie Buckland Chief Executive Officer, Amana Living
As we celebrate Spiritual Care Week, we reflect on the vital role spiritual care plays in the lives of the older people we support at Amana Living. This year’s theme, Spiritual Care Providers: Beyond Religious Roles, recognises that spiritual care is essential to holistic health and aged care.
We began Spiritual Care Week with Amana Living Sunday on 20 October. Staff, residents, clients, and volunteers gathered at St George’s Cathedral for a Choral Evensong led by Archbishop Kay Goldsworthy AO. Together, we celebrated older people and recognised our staff for their commitment to helping them to lead fulfilling lives.
Central to this is ensuring everyone can access Amana Living’s comprehensive chaplaincy services, so the service also acknowledges the spiritual care provided by our chaplains. This wide-ranging spiritual care is designed to meet the individual’s spiritual and emotional needs.
Our chaplains facilitate communal prayer through regular worship services, which help deepen connections with Jesus Christ. They also assist residents and clients in exploring their broader spirituality. This may involve navigating life’s big questions, finding peace in challenging times, or fostering meaningful connections with others.
Spiritual care extends beyond religious boundaries. It helps individuals find meaning and purpose, especially as they confront the complexities of ageing. Our chaplains engage in conversations about hope, forgiveness, grief, and legacy, offering guidance to those seeking comfort, whether they identify with a faith or simply need support.
For some aged care residents, chaplains also provide companionship, helping to alleviate feelings of isolation and fostering a sense of connection. For others, it involves providing comfort and spiritual care to residents in palliative care, supporting them and their families through the end-of-life process.
This year’s theme for Spiritual Care Week encourages us to see spiritual care as a universal human experience. While some may root their spirituality in religion, others may connect with nature, reflect on their life’s purpose, or seek healing from past traumas. Amana Living’s chaplains are trained to address these diverse needs, providing personalised support as residents and clients navigate their spiritual journeys.
As we honour the work of our spiritual care providers this week, we also acknowledge the profound role spiritual care plays in aged care. It remains essential to support older people in living their best lives.
