Survey: Australian National Guidelines for Spiritual Care in Aged Care

The Australian National Guidelines for Spiritual Care in Aged Care project aims to develop and evaluate pastoral and spiritual care guidelines that can be used in residential care and home care to provide spiritual care and support to older people and their families/representatives. As Australia has a rapidly ageing population planning for care is needful, and essential in rural Australia in places such as the Goulburn Valley. The survey would benefit immensely if peoples from all different faiths were to participate and give input.
 

This project is needed because we have found a gap in the provision of spiritual care for older Australians. There are currently no guidelines, despite the fact that many important standards, guidelines and documents recognise the importance of spiritual care to older people.

This project aims to develop and evaluate pastoral and spiritual care guidelines that can be used in residential care and home care to provide spiritual care and support to older people and their families/representatives. The Guidelines will have applicability for a range of users such as spiritual care workers, staff, volunteers and health professionals.

This project supports the World Health Organisation’s (WHO, 2014) view that spirituality is inextricably linked to quality of life. Therefore, as spiritual need is intrinsic to humanity, spiritual care should be universally accessible to all older people in a way that is meaningful to their beliefs, culture and situation.

The need for this project is based on six key reasons:

  • Australia has an ageing population
  • Links with other standards/guidelines and projects
  • Spiritual care is essential to quality of life and well-being
  • The need for consistent understanding of spirituality and spiritual care
  • Essential for a model of spiritual care to reflect the diversity of the population
  • Harnessing the role of spiritual care in reducing depression and challenging behaviour

The Survey

Since the project commenced in March, a number of key outcomes have been achieved including a draft literature review and preliminary consultations with the sector. The next stage of the project is to conduct an industry-wide survey to gather diverse views to ensure the Guidelines will be relevant. You can support the project by completing the online survey. We are wanting responses from as many organisations and individuals as possible http://nationalguidelines.pascop.org.au/.

The survey will be open from 4 August to 4 September and participation from anyone involved in aged care is encouraged including older people. This survey is important in understanding the views and perceptions of how spiritual care can most effectively be provided to older people living in residential aged care or, receiving care and support at home.

You may take the survey here

The National Guidelines for Spiritual Care in Aged Care - A partnership with Spiritual Health Victoria, PASCOP (Pastoral and Spiritual Care of Older People), Project Management by NARI and funded by the Australian Government Please note, this project will serve adherents, devotees and believers of all the faiths.








Source: Spiritual Health Victoria



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