Chaplaincy in action
Throughout Spiritual Care Week, and every day in a myriad of ways, Uniting AgeWell chaplains make a profound positive impact to 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.
Celebrating our chaplains
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Kirsty Brown
After spending nearly 30 years working as a chartered accountant, Hawthorn Community chaplain Kirsty Brown knows the simple effectiveness of two columns on the white board: assets and liabilities.
And she has applied this to emotions, which is proving to be a wonderful tool for staff and residents at the facility, many of whom are feeling the effects of prolonged lockdowns and COVID related stress.
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Marianne Pauls
A profoundly deaf resident at Uniting AgeWell Rosetta Community Strathaven has a new zest for life thanks to Chaplain Marianne Pauls learning Auslan to communicate with her.
And this sign of kindness has left Anne not only beaming, but feeling more valued and included – and as an added bonus, she’s made the first real non-deaf friend she’s ever had.
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Chris Turner
Residents at Preston Community are enjoying exploring and sharing their spirituality at weekly discussion groups, where the spotlight is focused on religious as well as sacred topics.
Preston Community Chaplain Chris Turner, an Interfaith Minister, started the weekly groups which resonate with residents from a broad range of religious, spiritual, and secular beliefs.
