Annual Report 2005 - UnitingCare NSW.ACT

Chaplaincy and Pastoral Care
A key difference between UnitingCare Ageing and the forprofit
sector providers is our pastoral care and community
outreach programs.
Our Christian beliefs and pastoral care approach underpin
the services provided by UnitingCare Ageing. We are
privileged to be able to work with older people who
deserve recognition for their life achievements and
service to the community.
A key difference between UnitingCare Ageing and other
aged care providers, is our pastoral care and community
outreach to support older people. Across NSW and the
ACT more than 50 people are employed on a part or
full-time basis to provide pastoral care and chaplaincy
services, ably supported by numerous volunteers.
Some of the priorities during the year have been an
enhanced focus on the importance of chaplains for both
residents and staff and integrated pastoral care programs
that foster pastoral care with other faiths.
On the North Coast, for example, chaplains in collaboration
with an integrated therapy team have devised and
distributed a “Comfort Kit” to all residential facilities.
These comprise an assortment of items that can be used
by residents, relatives and friends to provide comfort and
support for residents in times of special need.
We have expanded our Pastoral Care Training programs
and brought together staff from across various Regions, and
also from external organisations, to discuss their experiences.
In July 2004 the formation of a Pastoral Care and Chaplaincy
Leadership Group brought together the Chaplaincy Coordinators
(or equivalent) from each of the eight Regions.
This Group identified a large number of issues relating to
pastoral care, chaplaincy and mission that needed to be
addressed, and developed an on-going “Work Program” to
prioritise the issues in accordance with the UnitingCare
Ageing Strategic Plan 2004 - 2007.
One of committee’s main achievements was the
Development of a Pastoral Care and Chaplaincy Policy for
UnitingCare Ageing. The Policy defines “pastoral care” and
“chaplaincy” and sets out the following principles that
apply within UnitingCare Ageing:
• UnitingCare Ageing is committed to offering pastoral
care and chaplaincy to residents, clients, families,
volunteers and staff, as an expression of its holistic
care for people.
• UnitingCare Ageing recognises that people have
emotional, spiritual, religious, sexual, psychological
and other needs, and that people can be assisted
through listening, pastoral conversation, pastoral
counselling, advocacy, and liturgical services.
• UnitingCare Ageing requires each Regional Aged Care
Board to recognise the importance of pastoral care
and chaplaincy in the holistic approach to care, as
informed by the Christian gospel.
The provision of pastoral care and chaplaincy services
will therefore be an essential component of all existing
facilities and services, and will be included in the
planning for all new activities.
The Pastoral Care and Chaplaincy Leadership Group
organised several Network Days in November 2004 and
May 2005 for people engaged in providing pastoral care
and chaplaincy services.
We look forward to the appointment of a Director
of Ministry and Mission to ensure that policies, practices
and directions continue to be sound, both ethically
and theologically. Plans are also well underway for
the 6th National Ecumenical Aged Care Chaplains’
Conference to be held in October 2005, sponsored
by UnitingCare Ageing.
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