Turn and face the change, turn and face the strain, sings David Bowie on the album Hunky Dory. Turning to face the change for changes that we don't welcome is easier said than done. Preparing for change is one way to make it bearable, and put us in better shape on the other side. We can prepare in all sorts of ways. I was interested to read the Readiness Checklist for providers from the Department of Health about the major change to home care packages that came into effect this week. Understandably, there was a long list of administrative changes on the list. I was led to think about what would be added if we put more focus on the humans in this story. We can't turn to face the change in a deeper sense if we are concentrating all our efforts on infrastructure, on the outside.
When you reflect on difficult changes that you have faced in your life, what is it that has gotten you through? For many of us, the solidarity of a compassionate person who is able to be truly present to us can be a huge support. For others, practices that bring us closer to our sources of meaning, purpose and connectedness can help. If you or your colleagues are experiencing the stress of change, take a moment to ask yourself and each other - What is most important to you? What keeps you going? Of what are you most afraid? Who do you want to be in this situation? Getting in touch with these things begins the process of empowerment.
Whilst infrastructure or other things may be changing around you that are beyond your control, there are things you can do to support your own journey within this bigger story. Finding this place of empowerment may not come easily, or every day, when facing a major change that you have not asked for. Support yourself to be able to turn and face the the change, whatever it may bring. Perhaps the first step is finding that compassionate presence in your life, or being that person for someone else.
Make sure you have your login details handy - contact your manager if you are not set up for access. Forward this email as a reminder to your colleagues about what is on offer.
FEATURE RESOURCE:
Living with an intellectual disability
We have published another accessible resource in our Spiritual Care Considerations Series: People Living with an Intellectual Disability.
Created in consultation with others, important ground is covered to enable access to high quality pastoral and spiritual care.
Considerations such as: - The older people in your care now may have been institutionalised because of their disability. When institutionalisation was introduced in Australia, families were given the choice to give up their children to be looked after by the state. Institutionalisation may have a great impact on the older person in your care, on their spirituality and overall wellbeing. Sadly, sexual, physical and emotional abuse was a normal occurrence within institutionalised care. Sometimes the abuse came from workers, and resident-to-resident abuse was common.
- Never make assumptions about their capacity, always ask if they can do something for themselves first before offering help.
- It’s important to assist the older person to continue with what they find personally meaningful; this can be listening to music, being out in nature, playing board games or being in the company of friends and family.
- Identify sources of meaning, purpose and connection. Does the older person have opportunities to practice meditation or relaxation techniques? Does the older person believe in God, or follow a particular faith? You may be able to refer the older person to a spiritual care practitioner who will work with the older person through difficult times.
Perth, WA
Keys to Spiritual Care – Context, Communication and Connectedness A Seminar for OT Assistants, Care Staff, Nurses, Allied Health and Pastoral Carers
9.00-12.00pm, Fri 28th April 2017
$30 members +gst/booking fee
$55 non-members +gst/booking fee Further information and registration
Contact us now about a tailored package for your organisation.
Thank you to our members who participated in our inaugural survey last last year.
Your comments reflected the growing impact of our resources, for example:
"Since implementing the Orientation to Spiritual Care Program, our staff are beginning to understand and value the spiritual work they do everyday - the little things; the connections and conversations."
"The short videos have been utilised at staff induction and have been received very positively."
"Staff certainly have a much better understanding of spirituality and integrating that into...day to day life."
"Since beginning with the dementia services, our staff are noticing a reduction in disruptive behaviours at meal times and less anxiety between residents."
"Since the publication of National Guidelines, we are focusing on a pilot project...and we have noticed a growing integration of spiritual care in our strategies and services."
We have also begun to make a series of immediate improvements based on your feedback, such as:
- Setting up the Member's login for new member representatives - Simplified the login set up process for other staff
- Follow-up support phone call one week after commencement
- Created a Hints and Tips Fact Sheet to get you started
- Creating a Member Welcome Pack
- Creating a generic brochure about pastoral and spiritual care for use in your organisation
- Planning future projects based on your suggestions
A summary report of the Member Survey is available to our members in the the Member's Zone.
We are pleased to welcome the following organisations who are showing their commitment to quality of life for older people by joining Meaningful Ageing Australia:
Heritage Care
McLean Care
Mercy Community Services SEQ
They are part of a growing movement to ensure meaning, purpose and connectedness are part of all aged care.
Thank you to our members who participated in our inaugural survey last last year. 
Welcome to our newest members 
