Summer 2022-23
Connections a key focus of spirituality Spirituality within Life Care’s communities recognises the importance of connections to help older people in our care embrace things that bring meaning and purpose to their lives. Coordinating Chaplain, Nigel Uppill, said Life Care had implemented a spiritual screening tool called ConnecTo to assist in exploring a person’s relationship with themself, with others, with nature, with creativity and with “something bigger,” which for many can be faith-based. ConnecTo is a resource published by Meaningful Ageing Australia based on the spiritual needs and assessment research of Dr Julie Fletcher.
Ron Curtis ... his focus is on making connections that bring joy to others at Glenrose Court and beyond
“There are five domains of connection that we believe can enhance an individual’s spiritual well-being and their own sense of identity,” Nigel explained. “Our chaplains discuss these issues with residents so that we can help them reconnect or strengthen their connections with the things that really matter in their lives. “In doing so, we build conversations with residents that explore their own hopes, losses or expectations, relationships with their families and friends, their faith or deep beliefs, their experience of the natural environment, and their sense of self expression – which may be through art, music, playfulness or creative writing.
‘Very satisfying to share a little happiness through my singing and photography’ A keen gardener and photographer, Ron, 80, uses his mobile telephone to take pictures of the Glenrose Court gardens and flowers that have grown from seedlings planted by other residents.
“Once we have identified those things that bring them meaning and purpose, we can help each person to make connections in their residential care setting or broader community. For example, a resident may wish to become involved with others who share similar interests, such as gardening, music or singing or in our regular church services.”
“Some of those residents are too frail to regularly get out to see the flowers, and through my photographs I am able to show them the beautiful things in our gardens here,” he said.
Clearly spirituality means different things to different people. For Glenrose Court resident Ron Curtis, it is about his Christian faith and sharing things that bring joy to others.
“I sat down and wrote some words for a hymn called Jesus Walked On Ahead and one of the staff had equipment to record my singing,” Ron said. “Another friend uploaded the recording to You Tube and the response has been wonderful.
Ron, who has been a resident at Glenrose Court for five years, has also turned his hand to writing songs, one of which is being heard around the world.
“I am thankful that God has touched me in many ways during my life, and it is very satisfying that I can connect with others through my photography and singing to share a little happiness.” INSPIRED LIVING
May you ‘open yourself afresh with faith and hope’ The angel Gabriel’s annunciation to Mary that her life would be radically interrupted, yet deeply blessed by becoming the mother of Christ, certainly provoked a ‘holy bewilderment’ in her! (Luke 1:26-38) Mary’s responses provide us all with an example of faithful surrender. For many, ageing is a similar experience where uninvited changes illicit a challenging uncertainty.
The ministry of Life Care’s chaplains includes supporting people to discover how their ‘bewilderment’ might become ‘holy’ as they accept changes in health, mobility, relationships and independence, yet remain open to opportunities to flourish and contribute to the life of others. As you journey through Advent and Christmas amidst the disrupting influence of COVID-19, may you also open yourself afresh to ‘holy bewilderment’ with faith and hope. Nigel Uppill, Coordinating Chaplain
Continuing to be an employer of choice in aged care Over the past year, Life Care has managed some of the greatest challenges faced by the aged care industry. At the forefront of these difficulties has been the continuing fall-out of the COVID-19 pandemic, and in particular the human resource obstacles that it delivered.
Allen Candy ... Life Care will continue to do amazing work
Many industries are struggling to attract and recruit quality employees, and aged care generally has not been immune from this issue. However, Life Care has in place innovative talent sourcing and engagement strategies and maintained an excellent reputation as a great place to work in the care of people and their families who rely on our defining services. We can look forward to 2023 with renewed confidence as a true employer of choice as we develop a unique Employment Value Proposition that will recognise, retain, recruit and develop a team that regularly exceeds expectations. At the same time, we will be buoyed by the Federal Government’s $18.3 billion reform package addressing recommendations of the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety.
Recently, we have transitioned to a new clinical management system considered “best of breed” while a range of automated workflow improvements will save the Life Care team significant time and effort, leaving them freer to deliver an even better experience for Life Care residents.
Life Care’s commitment to continuous improvement includes developing a new aged care community at Golden Grove, new investment in community engagement based on customer advocacy and feedback, and building on the positive factors identified and valued by residents and families.
While I hope 2023 will be an easier year, I don’t doubt it will have its challenges. Regardless, I remain confident that the Life Care team will again show its true colours and continue to do amazing work. I wish you and your loved ones a Merry Christmas and a safe and prosperous New Year. Allen Candy, Chief Executive Officer
Church Link magazine is a publication of the Churches of Christ. 128 Greenhill Road Unley SA 5061 INSPIRED LIVING
Would you like more information about Life Care or to receive your own copy of Church Link?
Contact us T 1800 555 990 E enquiries@lifecare.org.au lifecare.org.au