Often people don’t know that they need spiritual nourishment. But when they receive it, they realise they needed it and how important it is in bringing them peace.
That’s how Noble Park Chaplain Chris Booth is reaching out to both residents and staff members at the site.

He continues to hold regular church services. He’s also available for one-on-one pastoral care with residents.

Now he’s added two other dimensions into the mix: a discussion group and pre-meeting staff meditation. Both are organised events where this added ministry is offered regularly in an organised setting without it having to be individually asked for or arranged.

It’s important. Uniting AgeWell believes person-centred care needs to include the spiritual dimension. Holistic care does not put spirituality, mental health and physical health into individual silos. They’re interconnected. Spirituality is integral to the way people make sense of their inner world, which can promote good mental health.

Mindfulness and meditation

It’s called ‘One minute-meditation’ and it’s where Chris does a mindfulness exercise at the start of staff leadership meetings.

He encourages all to close their eyes; to notice what is in their hearts and minds, and to listen deeply to their breathing. This session aims to reduce stress levels and to provide clarity in dealing with the matters at hand.

“The feedback I have received is overwhelmingly positive,” says Chris. “People say it relaxes them and at the same time allows them to focus on what matters. It’s important to take care of ourselves so we can take care of others. One of the managers who works at another site is keen to introduce it there too.”

Pilgrim People

This is a spiritual discussion group with the aim of being held fortnightly where people gather to for up to an hour-long deep dive into various topics – the most recent being letting go, pilgrimage and practising stillness.

Chris has based this group on a book by Korean Catholic Priest Paul Knitter entitled Without Budda I could not be a Christian.

Paul joined a Buddhist pilgrimage as a practising Christian and read their scriptures, adopted their practices and visited their venues. It ended up strengthening his Christian faith.

Chris says the group mirrors what Paul did. “We imagine we are all pilgrims walking on the same road together. We have not come from the same place and we won’t arrive at the same place. We may not even agree with each other. But as we journey on the road together we share stories and experiences.”

Chris has even created a board game where little figures move along a path, as they discuss a topic and share with each other in a safe, respectful place where deep listening is practiced by all.

Finally, the little figures on the board reach the end of the path, and then the group discusses what understandings they will take back with them after the meeting.

Chris says he’s noticed how the residents seem comforted and reassured after the meeting. “Coming into aged care can involve losing connections that you loved – like your home, your old sense of identity and independence. This was discussed in one of our groups and the residents felt comfort that their feelings were validated when others shared similar journeys.”

He says while the topics are sometimes difficult, they lighten the mood. “It brings it out into the open. An issue that is shared is no longer a burden to carry alone. It is a relief for many to learn they are not alone in how they feel.”