Resthaven’s team of 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.
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.
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 frequently misunderstood. It is different to religion, and addresses our most important intrinsic needs – such as purpose, meaning, hope, belonging, and identity.
Many residents experience profound loss and complex changes in the weeks or months leading up to the move into residential aged care. For some, the move itself can be stressful.
My goal is to help each resident adjust to their new circumstances and to support their wellbeing. In simple terms, this means feeling at home and being at peace within ourselves.
It is extremely satisfying to see people rediscover their joy and self-confidence.’Rev Steve Blacket
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.
