Throughout Spiritual Care Week, and every day in a myriad of ways, Uniting AgeWell chaplains make a profound and positive impact on the lives of our residents, staff and our broader community.
At Uniting AgeWell, we believe spirituality is a dynamic and intrinsic aspect of humanity through which we seek ultimate meaning, and experience relationship to self, family, others, and the significant or sacred. Spirituality may be expressed through beliefs, values, traditions and practices - including, but not exclusive to religion.
We offer care that respects personal choice and individual expressions of spirituality, and encourages connectedness and community. A variety of opportunities are provided to encourage the finding of meaning, purpose, connectedness, hope, and to transcend loss.
Our Spirituality Framework is the foundation for how Uniting AgeWell understands spirituality, and spiritual, secular, and religious care across all levels of the organisation.
At the heart of Uniting AgeWell's Spirituality Framework is a very intentional focus to put spiritual needs on equal footing with physical, mental and social needs.
The Framework intersects with principles and commitments shared by Uniting AgeWell and the Uniting Church in Australia.
It highlights Uniting AgeWell’s commitment to supporting the people it serves to understand their life and find purpose in it, in a way that takes into account any limitations they may live with; and our commitment to courageous conversations with the hard topics of ageing, suffering and dying.
Spiritual care in action
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Alisha Fung
Hitting the high notes as Uniting AgeWell’s musical chaplain at Camberwell Community Condare Court, Alisha is spreading the joy - note by note!
From playing her ukulele and serenading residents during COVID-19 lockdowns to karaoke events and one-on-one perforances for those seeking a hymn or a song or two.
Alisha is more than just a beautiful voice – she also runs a number of wonderful initiatives including Soul Café, a Poet’s Corner and meditation for residents.
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Kirsty Brown
Kirsty Brown went from being a chartered accountant in Scotland to a Chaplain at Uniting AgeWell - and her happiness has multiplied.
“It is a privilege working with older people at Hawthorn. They have lovely stories to tell, interesting lives, it is wonderful to be able to be there for them,” says Kirsty.
“As people experience transitions in life, it can be a time where our mental health is affected. Chaplains can assist residents in working through the grief associated with leaving their long-term home, the death of friends, the decline in health.”
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Chris Turner
Interfaith Minister, Chris Turner at Preston Community holds regular group discussions attended by residents who have a broad range of spiritual and non-spiritual beliefs.
“Nothing is off limits,” says Chris. “We discuss things openly, freely and respectfully. It’s a wonderful, safe meeting place where they can open up and share their deep feelings and experiences, and draw on the common well of humanity and kindness.”
Chris also holds an occasional sacred music circle where music that has meaning to residents is played. And provides a space for a weekly meditation called “Kirtan Kriya”.
Victor Pitman-Jones
It’s pretty easy to spot the new chaplain at Uniting AgeWell’s Kalkee Communities of Murray and Nangatta. Vic is the one in the loud colourful shirt with the chrome dome, a pierced ear, two tattoos and huge smile.
“I like cheerful shirts,” he explains. “It gives people something to smile about.”
One of his fans is resident Margaret who says of the chaplain, "He gets us, he totally understands us. He’s great!”
“I love the values of Uniting AgeWell,” Vic says. “I love the inclusiveness, the ethos and kindness that I see in the organisation.” To this end he feels privileged to minister to all in an organisation that puts all faiths and religions on an equal footing.
Marianne Pauls
Marianne Pauls quit her job in the photography business in Sydney to do pastoral care – and now she’s back to her roots in Hobart and is a Chaplain at Uniting AgeWell.
She returned to Tasmania to be closer to her family, first working as a Chaplain at the Rosetta Communities of Strathaven and Strathglen, before recently moving to Uniting AgeWell Newnham Community Aldersgate Village.
Marianne says it’s a privilege to walk with older people on their life journey. “I want them to feel that life has meaning, that their life has been worthwhile, and that they are special and loved.”
