A new series of short films unpacking spiritual care in relation to the new aged care quality standards have been developed by Meaningful Ageing Australia.
The films are designed to support aged care providers, carers and executives in embedding spirituality into care in line with the new guidelines for spiritual care.
Through five short-length animations, viewers are introduced to the overall concept of spirituality into organisational thinking and processes, including the place of meaning, purpose connectedness and other ideas related to contemporary spiritual care in Australia.
“Helping organisations to understand contemporary spiritual care remains a key challenge in the sector,” Ilsa Hampton, CEO of Meaningful Ageing Australia, said.
“The films illustrate how emotional support in action can be employed in big and small ways to enable each and every person to age well, by reflecting on their life’s journey, their own values and the legacy they’re leaving.”
“Spirituality is about our need for meaning, purpose and connectedness. In modern Australia, a person’s belief system is just part of the bigger picture of spirituality. Our need for connectedness, whether with self, others, nature or the sense of something bigger is part of being human.”
The films encourage aged care staff to focus on making older people feel they matter, they are seen and have continued purpose.
All organisations have the responsibility of incorporating spiritual care into their workplace as part of implementing the new Standards.
The content was developed in consultation with a provider reference group including RAAFA WA, Anglicare, Autumn Lodge, Masonic Care Tasmania, RFBI and SummitCare. The films speak to a wide range of audiences including Boards Directors, managers and carers.
The films are available online and free USBs can be ordered for use without internet connection.
Additional practical resources including downloadable templates, conversation starters and other tools to embed spiritual care in aged care are also available from Meaningful Ageing Australia.
