Guide shows providers how to continue spiritual care

Spiritual care and ageing peak body Meaningful Ageing Australia has released advice  on how aged care services can  continue to provide spiritual care during the coronavirus pandemic.

The one-page information sheet titled Spiritual Care During COVID-19 provides aged care services with ideas to keep spiritual care at the forefront alongside clinical care.

The advice which draws on examples from MAA members, highlights the importance of spiritual care, especially in times of crisis.

It also reminds providers to ensure they are offering all residents the opportunity to share, engage in rituals and connect with what matters to them regularly.

It also suggests providers create care packages for residents and clients and find ways to care for staff  including telling team members what you appreciate about them.

Meaningful Ageing Australia CEO Ilsa Hampton said it was more important than ever to provide spiritual care to aged care recipients.

“Unquestionably our communities need our physical health to be protected and supported in the face of the coronavirus pandemic,” Ms Hampton said.

“However, it is now, more than ever, that we need to strengthen the inner resources of ourselves and others.

“Now, more than ever, we need connection to what matters most and to what sustains us,” she said.

Organisations should check how they are defining the term essential with regards to wellbeing, Ms Hampton said

“Do not allow yourself to be focused solely on clinical support or you will find in the weeks and months ahead you have created as many issues as you have solved.

“If you have spiritual care practitioners in your team, they are a major asset at times like this for individual, group and team support,” Ms Hampton said.

Access the information sheet here.

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