1. Integrating Spirituality into the practices of a multicultural aged care facility

2. Theme of conference: “Hope, Strength and Meaning”
Essence of Spirituality: “that which gives meaning, purpose, connectedness and hope.”
The National Guidelines for Spiritual Care in Aged Care (Meaningful Ageing Australia: 2016, 21)

3. “Patients and physicians have begun to realize the value of elements such as faith, hope and compassion in the healing process. The value of such ‘spiritual elements in health and quality of life has led to research in this field in an attempt to move towards a more holistic view of health that includes a non-material dimension, emphasizing the seamless connections between mind and body.’”
World Health Organization, Consultation on Spirituality, Religion and Personal Beliefs, 1998, quoted in Harriet Mowat and Maureen O’Neill “Spirituality and Ageing: Implications for the Care and Support of Older People” (IRISS 2013)

4. “Interest in spirituality and aging has increased recently, owing to overwhelming evidence of positive health outcomes linked to spirituality and religious participation.”
Helen Lavretsky, “Spirituality and Aging,” Aging Health. 2010; 6(6):

5. UnitingCare Wesley Port Adelaide policy document Meaningful Life
“ Meaningful Life is based on the recognition that everything a person does, feels, thinks and believes has a direct impact on their health.”
Meaningful Life: Connecting Body, Mind and Spirit (launched at the Aged Care Conference held at Regency Green in November 2016)

6. Opening of reflection centre

8. “There are multiple barriers to the proper assessment of spirituality (e.g. the lack of professional training for healthcare professionals, shortage of time and discomfort in patients and healthcare providers in discussing spiritual issues and needs) in clinical practice and research. Overcoming these barriers by improved training for healthcare professionals can improve healthcare and outcomes in older adults.” (Lavretsky, 2010)

9. Meaningful life – connecting body, mind and spirit UCWPA Policy

10. UCWPA Meaningful Life - Spirit
Creating positivity
Being respectful
Supporting ‘end of life’ decision making
Providing supportive palliative care
Facilitating access to counselling and grief support for loved ones and significant others
Facilitating access to pastoral practitioners/spiritual/religious specialists

11. Cultural Festivals, religious days (Example)
APRIL
4th April
Tomb Sweeping Day
6th April
Hung Festival
7th April
World Health Day
14th April
Easter Celebration
25th April
ANZAC Day
MAY
3rd May
Buddha’s Birthday
8th May
National Volunteer Week begins
12th May
International Nurses Day
14th May
Mother's Day
26th May
National Day of Healing/National Sorry Day
29th May
Anniversary of Launch of Torres Strait Islander Flag
30th May
Dragon Boat Festival

12. cultural and religious celebrations
Chinese New Year Celebration

13. Visit to Buddhist Temple
for Buddha’s Birthday
celebrations

14. visits from community groups from CALD backgrounds
Wool Club - craft work made and donated, reminiscences encouraged
murals by aboriginal artist, workshops during NAIDOC week
2:1 support - multi-lingual staff facilitating conversations between CALD residents and pastoral practitioner
development of the Reflection Centre and multicultural spiritual resources
yoga, tai chi and meditation as positive rehab

15. activities that support spiritual care
Spiritual reminiscence
Spiritual history
Life review/life story
Music/song
Worship/prayer/ritual
Presence/being there
Listening
Mowat and O’Neill (IRISS, 14 Jan 2013)

16. “This last stage of life is every bit as important as all that has gone before.” (Elizabeth Mackinlay, Palliative Care, Ageing and Spirituality, Jessica Kingsley Publishers, London and Philadelphia, 2012, 35) “Life review, spiritual reminiscence, narrative – whatever you call it – is all important in connecting us with each other and our identity.”(Mackinlay, 2012, 44)

17. development of spiritual care
Reflection group
Life story telling in one on one conversations
Training for staff in awareness of spiritual care
Clinical Pastoral Education groups available for staff for developing self awareness and spiritual perspective in offering care

18. Modelling Spiritual Story Telling
fablesandflora.wordpress.com

19. Poem – meaningful Ageing
Remember and tell me your story, the meanings that you want to share, the people and choices that shaped you, the griefs and the losses you bear. We’ll make a safe space to let feelings emerge, if you need their release. Let’s name them and shape them together, and summon a semblance of peace.

20. Perhaps we have few words between us, or meaning is out of our reach; yet sitting together is sharing – expressions convey more than speech. If prayer is the song of your longing, then gladly I’ll join you in prayer. We may have no language in common, but blessing enough that we share.

21. your meaning still matters to me: it may be in people that love you,
There may be no God in your vision –
your meaning still matters to me:
it may be in people that love you,
or finding a place just to be.
Perhaps in complaining there’s purpose –
a chance to be heard and to choose,
to know your opinions are valued,
and you have a say you won’t lose.

22. So tell us what gives your life meaning; make sure that we hear what you say – so say it again if you need to, and don’t let us turn you away. For age is a living that matters, your story is worth our respect. Remember, reflect and affirm it – a treasure to see and protect. Barbara Messner November 2016