e-Modules make for more meaningful ageing

The latest tool developed by the not-for-profit was launched in two new e-modules – Spiritual Care an Integral Part of Caring and ConnecTo Spiritual Screening Tool – and is based on popular face-to-face training.

Aged care provider Bethanie launched the new modules which cover topics including understanding spirituality and an introduction to spiritual care.

Meaningful Ageing Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Ilsa Hampton says the e-modules, which were developed in consultation with five member organisations and trialled by nine others, reinforce “key concepts” to begin the conversation about spirituality as more than religion.

“We have had strong positive feedback from members about this initiative,” Ms Hampton says.

“It is perfectly timed to assist organisations with the new Aged Care Quality Standards.”

Ms Hampton adds that respondents in the trial talked about realising that they have “something to contribute” to spiritual care.

“Participants in the trial commented that it made them stop and think about how others feel, that they realised spirituality was more than religion, the importance of connecting and that everyone has a spirituality.”

Bethanie Chief of People, Culture and Brand, Jo Christie, says the organisation was proud to be part of the launch, adding that the organisation “acknowledges the importance of spiritual care education”.

Each e-module takes roughly 30 minutes to complete, with abridged versions available to cater for staff in a range of roles.

Meaningful Ageing Australia highlights that while the e-modules are available, they should not completely replace face-to-face learning in spirituality “given the intensely interpersonal nature of spiritual care”.

More information about the initiatives on offer through Meaningful Ageing Australia can be found online.