Meaningful Ageing Australia

Further coverage of Meaningful Ageing Australia’s discussion paper on the funding of spiritual care in Australia’s aged care system. Rachael Wass https://lnkd.in/gf-UKzAT

Mahayana New Year is an important celebration for Mahayana Buddhists, marking the beginning of the new year according to various customs and traditions. The date of this celebration can vary significantly depending on the country and cultural practices, with some Mahayana Buddhists observing it on January 1, while others celebrate it during the first full moon of January, which often falls later in the month. There are diverse celebrations of Mahayana New Year, reflecting the unique customs and traditions of different countries. From reverent prayers and the symbolic bathing of statues to temple visits and soul-stirring spiritual songs, the festivities aim to invoke blessings for the upcoming year. This introspective period goes beyond rituals, involving deep self-reflection, learning from past mistakes, and a collective pursuit of personal growth. Source: https://lnkd.in/d8J5uKBG

Maghi is an important Sikh festival observed on the first day of the month of Magh in the Nanakshahi calendar, typically falling on January 13th or 14th. It holds significant religious and historical importance for Sikhs. Sikhs celebrate the Maghi with an end-to-end recital of the holy Guru Granth Sahib and religious rituals in all the Sikh Gurudwaras. On the eve of Maghi falls the common Indian festival called the Lohri when bonfires are lighted in Hindu homes and alms are also distributed. Source: https://lnkd.in/grR-_KxG

For many, spirituality offers a sense of belonging, meaning and purpose. However, it can often be overlooked as a critical service in aged care. Now, a new discussion paper from Meaningful Ageing Australia has sparked fresh interest in spiritual care as it seeks dedicated funding, greater recognition and increased support for spiritual care practitioners. More: https://lnkd.in/gsZrjszf #spiritualcare #agedcare #ageing #palliativecare #spirituality

Nativity Day, also known as the Feast of the Nativity of Christ or Christmas, is one of the most important celebrations in the Orthodox Christian faith. It commemorates the birth of Jesus Christ and is observed on January 7th according to the Julian calendar, which many Orthodox churches follow. Orthodox Christians observe a 40-day Nativity Fast leading up to the feast, focusing on spiritual preparation through prayer, fasting, and almsgiving. Source: https://lnkd.in/gV4KjAWa

The Epiphany of the Lord is a significant Christian feast celebrated on January 6 each year, marking the revelation of Jesus Christ to the world. This feast primarily commemorates three key events in Jesus' life that demonstrate his divinity: the visit of the Magi (wise men) from the East, his baptism in the Jordan River, and his first miracle at the wedding in Cana. Epiphany is one of the three principal and oldest festival days of the Christian church (the others are Easter and Christmas). Roman Catholics, Lutherans, Anglicans and other Western churches observe the feast on January 6, while some Eastern Orthodox churches celebrate Theophany on January 19, since their Christmas Eve falls on January 6. Epiphany is celebrated with various customs and traditions around the world, including processions, communal meals, and the blessing of houses with holy water. Source: https://lnkd.in/eNMDcDP3

Meaningful Ageing Australia has released a discussion paper exploring key challenges in funding spiritual care within Australia’s aged care system. The paper incorporates insights from consultations across the sector, including a series of roundtables, and presented at the National Aged Care Alliance meeting in November 2024, as well as thought leaders, practitioners, and policymakers to discuss this critical topic. The Core Issues are: 1. Unlike sectors such as palliative care, schools, prisons, and defence forces—where funding for Spiritual Care Practitioners (Chaplains or Pastoral Carers) is well established—aged care lacks specific funding for spiritual care. 2. The health and wellbeing of First Nations people are intrinsically connected to mind, body, and spirit. Similarly, older people from CALD communities face a lack of culturally appropriate models of care in aged care. This Discussion Paper makes the following key recommendations: Recommendation 1.1: Advocate for greater recognition of spiritual care in Australia’s aged care system Recommendation 1.2: Advocate for a culturally safe and appropriate model of care for aged care, in line with The National Guidelines for Spiritual Care in Aged Care Recommendation 2.1: Spiritual care should be listed as an eligible emotional support service in the guidelines for the Support at Home Program Recommendation 2.2: Spiritual care should be listed as an eligible emotional support service in the guidelines for the End of Life Pathway operating within the Support at Home Program Recommendation 3.1: Spiritual care should be listed as an eligible emotional support service in the care minutes targets applying from 1 January 2025 Recommendation 3.2: Spiritual Care Practitioners should be recognised as highly trained professionals and valued members of multidisciplinary teams in their own right Recommendation 4: Gather additional information on the scale of the spiritual care workforce This discussion paper dives deeper into the challenges and offers a starting point for change. 📖 You can read the full discussion paper here: https://lnkd.in/gbE7EFbR A heartfelt thank you to authors Paul Sadler (Board Director, MAA) and Rachael Wass (CEO, MAA), and contributors for their invaluable input. Together, let’s work towards better recognition and funding for spiritual care in aged care as well as the development of a culturally appropriate care model that integrates spiritual and emotional well-being. #AgedCare #SpiritualCare #HolisticCare #MeaningfulAgeing #PolicyChange #DoHaAC #MarkButler #AnikaWells NATSIAACC, PICAC Alliance, Australian Association of Gerontology, ARIIA, LGBTIQ+ Health Australia, Palliative Care Australia, Catholic Health Australia, Baptist Care Australia, Uniting Australia, Anglican Care, Mental Health Australia, COTA Australia, Older Persons Advocacy Network, Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission, Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care

This day is celebrated as the birth anniversary of the tenth and last Sikh Guru, known for founding the Khalsa and promoting justice, courage, and spirituality. Celebrations can vary, reflecting local customs and traditions. Common elements include the reading of the Guru Granth Sahib over 48 hours leading up to the celebration, devotional singing, and community meals. Source: https://lnkd.in/gDfqAVdW

'Hanukkah (Chanukah) is the Jewish eight-day, wintertime “festival of lights,” celebrated with a nightly menorah lighting, special prayers and fried foods. The Hebrew word Chanukah means “dedication,” and is thus named because it celebrates the rededication of the Holy Temple. At the heart of the festival is the nightly menorah lighting. The menorah holds nine flames, one of which is the shamash (“attendant”), which is used to kindle the other eight lights. By the eighth night of Chanukah, all eight lights are kindled. Special blessings are recited, often to a traditional melody, before the menorah is lit, and traditional songs are sung afterward. A menorah is lit in every household (or even by each individual within the household) and placed in a doorway or window. The menorah is also lit in synagogues and other public places.' Wishing a Happy Hanukkah to all our friends who are celebrating. Source: https://lnkd.in/g3kcDGs8

Christmas is a time of celebration, reflection and connection, observed each year on the 25 December. While many associate Christmas with festive traditions, gift-giving and family gatherings, its deeper significance lies in the commemoration of the birth of Jesus Christ, a pivotal event in Christian faith. Christmas invites us to pause and reflect on our lives, our relationships and our values. It encourages us to think about how we can spread kindness and goodwill. The spirit of Christmas is not merely about material gifts; it’s about fostering connections with family and friends, sharing moments of joy, and reaching out to those in need. If we are fortunate enough to gather around tables filled with festive meals or exchange heartfelt gifts, we are reminded of the importance of community and compassion. To all who celebrate, Meaningful Ageing Australia would like to wish you a peaceful and happy Christmas. May you find meaning and connection on this day, and always.