Summer 2019
A focus on living every day with meaning, purpose and hope In recent times there has been a lot of adverse publicity about standards of aged care with a particular focus on an Adelaide facility that failed the expectations of residents and their loved ones. A Royal Commission inquiring into the quality of aged care in Australia is inviting submissions from members of the public and institutions. These developments may lead some people to assume that all aged care providers deliver sub-standard service. However, nothing is further from the truth. Having worked as a chaplain at three of our sites, I am constantly reminded that Life Care is committed to excellence in the delivery of aged care services in residential settings and also for people choosing to live at home. Life Care’s Chief Executive Officer, Allen Candy, often remarks that our organisation will never be the biggest, but it strives to be the best. Even from the first conversation Life Care staff members have with people seeking our services, there is a powerful commitment to core values of integrity, respect, engagement, excellence and teamwork. These factors are part and parcel of the Life Care framework that enables us to deliver a Live Every Day experience to our residents, clients and their families. Chaplaincy is one of the essential services that we provide at all of our sites for residents, clients and their families, and also for staff members and volunteers. When I first joined Life Care back in 2006, spiritual care was not fully understood or embraced. We now have a more mature and informed understanding that
spirituality is at the very core of each person’s life helping them to Live Every Day with meaning, purpose and hope. In the past year, there have been some changes to the chaplaincy team. Following a stint as Coordinating Chaplain, Paul Tyler has taken up a position as Baptist Chaplain at the new Royal Adelaide Hospital. After almost three years with Life Care, Deb Likouras has also taken up a position at the hospital as a social worker. Sue Ind, chaplain at Aldinga Beach Court is retiring and we wish her well. (See below) Our Reynella chaplain, Maureen Jennings, is on extended sick leave, but is hoping to return to work soon. The Life Care community wishes her a full recovery. During Maureen’s absence, Randall Lawton, the Minister at the Aldinga Community Church of Christ Aldinga, has been working at Reynella as a relieving chaplain. Interviews have been conducted recently for the chaplaincy role at Glenrose Court and also for the Coordinating Chaplain’s role. An announcement regarding these two positions will be made soon. I trust that all those in the Churches of Christ community enjoyed a safe and joyous festive season. Central to Christmas, of course, is the message of hope that the angels announced to the shepherds: Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace. This is our prayer that the residents in our aged care facilities, and the clients who receive our services in their homes, can truly experience peace because of the difference we make to their lives. Bill Hall, Acting Coordinating Chaplain
Farewell from Sue Ind As she heads into retirement from chaplaincy at Aldinga Beach Court, Sue Ind says: “I have been so blessed to be a chaplain at Life Care. There have been many meaningful relationships formed at Aldinga Beach Court that have enriched my life. “Walking together through the sorrow and joys that life brings is truly a special gift. I am thankful for the love, friendships, stories, intimate sharing, wisdom and laughter that I have been privileged to experience with residents, their families, staff and volunteers. “In the midst of these relationships, God touches us. Special thanks to Allen Candy and the Life Care Board and management for the great support I have received.”
INSPIRED LIVING
Breathing new life into aged care Reynella Lodge chaplain Randall Lawton is well placed to reflect on a major transition in Life Care that has delivered so many positive outcomes for residents, families, staff and volunteers. Randall has served as pastor at the Aldinga Community Church of Christ for the past 13 years, and in 2005 and 2006 he was also seconded as part-time chaplain at Life Care’s Aldinga Beach Court. After a short sabbatical in Sydney in 2007, Randall resumed his church role at Aldinga, but in more recent times he sought to extend his ministry back into the aged care sector. He returned to Life Care in July 2018 serving as interim chaplain three days a week at Reynella Lodge, and he says it has been a very happy “homecoming.” Indeed, coming back to Life Care has been a revelation in our defining model of care where the emphasis is on celebrating life every day. “I reflect on my early days with Life Care and recognise that it was a very clinical environment in which residents often found it difficult to look beyond the complexities of ageing,” he said. “Now there is an uplifting focus based on a more pastoral and holistic model supporting the enjoyment of life for individuals and across the entire Life Care community. “It has been a major, positive change for the better that delivers a real sense of life and happiness for people in our care, along with their families. Life Care’s management, staff and volunteers deserve great credit for their shared commitment to this purpose. “Importantly, chaplaincy is an integral part of this new model of care where residents truly feel at home in an environment that supports their physical and spiritual needs with dignity and respect.
Church Link magazine is a publication of the Churches of Christ. 128 Greenhill Road Unley SA 5061 INSPIRED LIVING
Randall Lawton and resident Helen Ottaway
“I have come back to Life Care to experience a genuine connection with older people who have much to celebrate in their lives. It is for me a true extension of the ministry, and I am enjoying it very much.” Helen Ottaway has been a resident at Reynella Lodge for about four years and she happily calls it home. “I have good repartee with the staff and particularly enjoy quiz mornings, which I would not miss come rain, hail or shine,” she said. Helen is particularly supportive of the Call Assist communications system introduced by Life Care. It is the first truly mobile call assist system in aged care in the southern hemisphere. Call Assist replaces traditional call bells and fall mats with a small, wearable device providing freedom of movement for each resident. It allows staff to know the exact, real time location of each resident so they can respond immediately if a person needs assistance. “Call Assist is very convenient,” Helen said. “Your location can be tracked no matter where you are.”
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