THL444 Ministry with Older People in Residential Care (8)

CSU Discipline Area: Theology (THEOL)

Duration: One session

Abstract:

This subject provides students with basic training in the area of Aged Care Chaplaincy. It examines Chaplaincy from a historical and cultural perspective as it has developed in the Australian context. It traces the development of models of Chaplaincy, particularly in the aged care area, and seeks to examine specific issues facing those providing spiritual care in aged care facilities. These issues include: ethics, appropriate ritual, and administration.

+ Subject Availability Modes and Locations

Session 1
Distance *	Canberra

*This subject offering contains a residential school. Please view following information for further details.

Continuing students should consult the SAL for current offering details: THL444

Where differences exist between the Handbook and the SAL, the SAL should be taken as containing the correct subject offering details.

Objectives:

Upon successful completion of this subject, students should:

- be able to demonstrate an understanding of the role of chaplaincy in aged care in relation to residents, families and staff
- be able to evaluate the issues relating to the development of effective models and priorities of aged care Chaplaincy
- be able to identify and discuss ethical issues and protocols facing the aged care Chaplain
- be able to explore and implement strategies to develop Chaplaincy as an integral part of the aged care team
- be able to give and account of how chaplaincy has developed in the Australian context
- be able to assess the specific role of aged care chaplaincy
- be able to adapt chaplaincy to meet the needs of individual residents with a variety of health issues
- be able to explore the responsibilities of the chaplain in documenting and recording the chaplaincy program, and develop effective methods of doing so
- be able to explore situations in which the chaplains role may require different priorities regarding the needs of residents, families and staff
- be able to identify specific self care issues which may have a detrimental effect on the ministry of aged care chaplains, and develop specific methods of overcoming or dealing with these issues

Syllabus:

The subject will cover the following topics:

1. An historical basis to chaplaincy and pastoral care work 2. Role of aged care chaplaincy: a. Ministry and residents b. Ministry and families c. Ministry and staff 3. Models of aged care chaplaincy a. Issues in aged care chaplaincy b. Lay and/or ordained c. The chaplain as part of the care team d. Job description and assessment? - Who defines the role: church or care organisation? - Who reviews the performance and how? 4. Ministry with cognitively impaired older people 5. Appropriate ritual, use of symbols and liturgies 6. Administrative/organisational role of aged care chaplaincy a. Documentation and record-keeping b. The organisation as person needing ministry c. Church - Chaplain identity and relationship d. Chaplaincy and accreditation 7. Skills/strategies in aged care chaplaincy 8. Ministry and palliative care 9. Self care 10. Ethics and aged care ministry a. Personal behaviour; protocols b. Spokesperson and guide for the organisation

Residential School

This subject contains a compulsory 2 day residential school.

The purpose and activities included in the residential school serve to: 1. provide the opportunity to discuss issues and insights arising from the student's study and experience 2. allow students to present prepared material as part of the assessment process 3. develop collegial relationships with staff and other students 4. explore team building strategies to assist Chaplains to become integrated into the aged care team

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