Deb wins with ‘big grin’

Doing whatever it takes to provide emotional and spiritual support to those approaching the end of life has resulted in a state award for Amana Living Chaplain, Deborah Joyce, at this year’s ACSWA (Aged & Community Services WA) ‘Excellence in Care’ Awards.

Emotional and spiritual support is most often sought at times of transition, difficulty or crisis, particularly at times of personal loss and grief.

Reverend Joyce provides such support to residents of five Amana Living facilities, to 690 clients who receive Amana Living Home Care services, and to families and staff.

Although Reverend Joyce modestly says that it is part of her role to be on call 24/7, Amana Living staff insists that her commitment in these situations is well beyond the requirements of her job. It is this dedication that won her an ACSWA ‘Excellence in Care’ Award in the Employee category.

Ann Nolan, care manager at Amana Living Bull Creek (Lefroy Hostel), said: “Deb doesn’t just ‘do a job’ or ‘work her hours’ – she is genuinely, personally dedicated to the care of our residents, clients and staff. She will attend the centre at any hour of the day or night if she is needed, and ensures that everyone is cared for and respected as an individual.”

Staff will call Ms Joyce when a resident is unsettled or relatives are distressed; and they say she always responds and has a calming, comforting influence. When a resident has been diagnosed as end of life, she will also often sit with them through many nights.

Not only does Reverend Joyce support residents and their families emotionally, but she will also watch over the resident and attend to their physical needs, making sure staff know when they need attention and helping to care for them.

“Deb is very committed to end of life care and is always willing to stay overnight as a support for the relatives of residents when they are dying,” Ms Nolan said.

“She is dedicated to the spiritual, emotional and psychological wellbeing of our residents, all of whom are living with dementia, and she is a big comfort to families in the grieving process.”

As a result of her previous experience in mental health in a hospital environment, Reverend Joyce has an understanding of complex behaviours, support for end of life situations and caring for people through difficult times. In addition to these aspects of her job, she has initiated and is now coordinator and trainer for the Amana Living Volunteer Pastoral Care Program.

It took special skills and sensitivity to introduce the volunteer service, which provides real benefits for Amana Living clients and residents. For example, Reverend Joyce will respond to a call for assistance, perhaps after bereavement, talking and listening to discover the issues and offer comfort. She may then arrange for a volunteer pastoral carer to provide ongoing support through the grieving process.

Commenting on Reverend Joyce’s award, Amana Living chief executive, Ray Glickman, said: “This is a fitting tribute for Reverend Joyce personally while reflecting on the wonderful job done by all our chaplains as part of the Amana Living team.”

Reverend Joyce considers herself privileged to work in aged care because of the diversity of people and circumstances and the stories people share with her. “In the three and a half years I have been at Amana Living, there hasn’t been a day when I haven’t come away with a big grin or had a good laugh,” she said.

The winners of the 2013 ACSWA ‘Excellence in Care’ Awards were revealed at a gala event last Friday.

Reverend Joyce will now join winners in the Organisation, Trainee and Volunteer categories as finalists in the national ACSA awards for excellence in November.