Aged Care by Paul Hodgson, Coordinating Chaplain
As Coordinating Chaplain, employed by the Uniting Church, I coordinate the delivery of Pastoral Care and Chaplaincy services to residents and staff of Helping Hand Aged Care. Just after Christmas, the opening of the borders and the arrival of Omicron in South Australia impacted our sites significantly, with activities, including church services, shut down, visits restricted or suspended altogether, and levels of anxiety, isolation, and loneliness heightened for many residents. In this complex and multi-faceted situation, one simple story in particular highlights for me evidence of the ethos of the Uniting Church at work and present in aged care chaplaincy, in practically demonstrating care, love and support to people outside the ‘reach’ of the local church. Brian* and his wife, Sally,* had moved from interstate to take up residence at Helping Hand just before the onset of the COVID pandemic two years ago, to be closer to family in South Australia. Sally has dementia, and needed the care and support of the dedicated Memory Support Unit (MSU) at Helping Hand, but Brian moved in as a resident in the standard Aged Care facility, so he could continue to be close to her. Brian spent significant time most days visiting Sally in the MSU, or taking her out in her wheelchair for coffee or shopping or little adventures. His dedication in care and support of Sally is a significant component of Brian’s own sense of purpose and well-being.
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