Resthaven’s team of Coordinating Chaplains engage with people from all social, emotional and spiritual backgrounds, supporting them to meet spiritual and pastoral care needs.
They collaborate closely with other members of the residential care and service team, providing individually-tailored responses to residents of all faiths – whatever that means to them – respecting the dignity and sacredness of each individual’s unique spiritual journey.
Download the Resthaven Prayer by Rev Dr Graham Vawser
They are always available to listen confidentially to the life experiences of residents, offering comfort and pastoral care.
Coordinating Chaplains are aware of the personal impact of changing circumstances, tragedy, and end of life issues, and are skilled at sensitively relating to people in times of need.
They also engage with a team of caring and capable volunteer Chaplains’ Assistants.
Coordinating Chaplains support people by:
- Listening and spending time getting to know you
- Conducting ecumenical services for Christian worship
- Conducting discussion groups which are informal friendly gatherings where everyone is welcome
- Leading memorial services which provide an opportunity to remember those residents who passed away during the year
- Arranging visits by clergy, pastoral visitors and other spiritual practitioners to provide specific support to residents.
- Accompanying people through grief, loss, worry, and ‘big questions in life’.
Chaplain Cate was amazing with my parents when they were in Resthaven Paradise aged care home…she also performed their funeral that was combined…she is the most caring and compassionate lady…she really supported my mum and me…love you Cate.
Spiritual care is built on trust and understanding – which can take some time to develop.
Spiritual care addresses our most fundamental human needs – like belonging, finding purpose, having hope, being able to deal with loss and failure, and having the inner strength to cope with trauma.
People entering residential aged care can feel overwhelmed with the complex issues that can seem to come all at once.
My goal as a Chaplain is to help people be at peace with themselves and their circumstances.
I find it deeply rewarding to see people’s sense of joy and purpose deepen, as they reflect and adapt to the changing seasons of life.’
Rev Steve Blacket
Coordinating Chaplain
National Guidelines for Spiritual Care in Aged Care
The National Guidelines for Spiritual Care in Aged Care assert that spirituality is integral to quality of life and wellbeing, and should be accessible to all older people in a way that is meaningful to their beliefs, culture and circumstances.
View a video about the guidelines here: Aged Care Quality Standards: spirituality is more than religion.
