ChurchLink Autumn 2016 Issue No. 56
BREAKING NEW GROUND IN QUALITY AGED CARE Life Care is entering an exciting new era after celebrating its 65th year of providing definitive services to ageing South Australians and their families. Building on this significant milestone, Life Care is enacting key initial aspects of a Master Plan to invest $300 million in the redevelopment of its primary sites over the coming decade. Chief Executive Officer, Allen Candy, said Life Care had received approval to proceed with a $50 million redevelopment of Roselin Court at Joslin after acquiring two properties adjacent to the existing site. The project will include a 120-bed facility and an innovative design to enhance the quality of care and comfort for people living with dementia. Work will start soon on stage one of the project with completion scheduled for 2017. Stage two of the development, which is expected to be completed by 2019, will include another 30 aged care rooms, 28 serviced apartments and a wellness and rehabilitation centre. Also in the pipeline is a $35 million retirement complex in Norwood, consisting of 72 two and three-bedroom apartments, followed by major works at other Life Care sites across Adelaide. Allen said the ambitious Master Plan was geared to ensuring Life Care’s property portfolio supported its commitment to deliver a Live Every Day experience to all clients, including integration of services to establish a true continuum of care. “This is about providing the services our clients need, when and where they need them,” he explained. “Having celebrated our 65th year in 2015, we are reminded of the enduring philosophy of the organisation, founded from its origins in the Churches of Christ, to provide quality care for people as they age. “In embracing changing needs and desires of older South Australians, we are challenging traditional concepts of aged care.
“Our investment in capital works is as vital as our investment in our staff members. We are bringing together world’s best practice in the design and fit-out of our facilities with skilled staff members to deliver premium care in state-of-the-art accommodation and support services. “Our service model will empower people on their ageing journey with strong community connections and a comprehensive approach to overall well-being, rather than just a clinical focus. “Spiritual care of clients is a vital aspect of this holistic approach and it is enshrined in Life Care’s guiding principles to create better ageing experiences for those in our care. “Chaplaincy has for many years been an integral part of our caring mission and it will be increasingly important as we deliver our new service model. “Our chaplains support the Live Every Day approach by engaging with clients and their families - along with our staff members and volunteers - to provide emotional and spiritual support irrespective of cultural or religious backgrounds. “This approach supports our core values of integrity, respect and innovation through care services and support systems built on excellence and teamwork.” Life Care’s Coordinating Chaplain, Bill Hall, said: “Without exception, each of our Chaplains is highly regarded whether as members of multi-disciplinary teams or in one-on-one settings where they provide emotional support and pastoral care for individuals facing a range of age-related challenges.” Meanwhile, a major Life Care initiative for 2016 is to increase volunteer numbers, especially in relation to oneon-one social visits with residents. “This provides a wonderful opportunity for church members to partner with Life Care to help deliver high quality spiritual and emotional support for residents, especially those who feel socially isolated,” Bill said.
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Bill Hall
Jules Thomas
Maureen Jennings
Sue Ind
INSIGHTS INTO THE MANY FACETS OF PASTORAL CARE Church Link has captured some cameo moments and heart-warming episodes from the diverse daily encounters of Life Care’s chaplains. Coordinating Chaplain Bill said engaging with residents and their families in pastoral care allowed people to express spiritual and emotional aspects of their lives in many different ways. “Just the other day I met with one of our older residents who explained that she had been diagnosed with a serious heart condition,” he said. “I asked how she felt about this diagnosis and she responded by saying she was glad it was a physical incapacity rather than one relating to dementia. “She was quite at peace with the news saying she had strong faith and had lived a long and good life adding that when end of life came she would be comfortable to go. “This lady clearly articulated her faith and I was able to share some special time with her which was comforting.” Bill endorsed the commitment of Life Care’s chaplains in a wide range of areas to support a consistent and holistic approach to age care. Roselin Court Chaplain, Jules Thomas, has been especially busy providing pastoral care to residents and staff as they prepare for the major redevelopment at the site. “I am concentrating on providing emotional support to our residents to ensure they are settled through a period of transition,” she said. “It is about helping to keep their spirits up with a reassurance that there will be good outcomes from the new building project.” Maureen Jennings is based at Reynella Lodge and she is also the Chaplaincy team’s representative on Life Care’s Palliative Approach Reference Committee. Life Care’s palliative care services are considered to be at the forefront of the aged care industry in Australia by delivering a consistent and uniform approach to end-of-life issues for residents.
“My role is to provide spiritual and emotional support for residents and their families to ensure that people in our care can die with dignity,” Maureen explained. “Recently one of our residents was approaching death and her family were constantly present allowing me to establish a comforting relationship with them. “I felt that while I was supporting the resident and her family, they were also supporting me in a caring and comforting approach. “In the end, the family said they did not know what they would have done without me. I asked what I had done and they responded by saying I was ‘just there for them all.’ “I thought about that comment and concluded that I had done my job well. There are many dimensions to quality palliative care, but having a caring presence is one of the most important.” Aldinga Beach Court Chaplain, Sue Ind, is working with the Site Manager, Merridy Schofield, to explore ways to improve assessment methods, with a particular focus on the spiritual domain to achieve an accurate understanding of the needs and wishes of each resident. As a part of the person-centred and holistic approach to care, one of the roles of Life Care’s chaplains is to formulate individual Spiritual Assessment Plans. Sue explained: “When we spend time with a resident, we strive to understand what gives them meaning, purpose and hope in their life. “We try to identify who and what is important to them; has the resident been affiliated with a church or religious group in the past; what losses have been experienced in life and how have they coped. “By understanding the person and the things that are precious to them, we can build a meaningful relationship and enhance his or her Live Every Day experience.”
www.lifecare.org.au