Turning purple for spiritual care
Daniel Viljoen, coordinator of Chaplains at Western Australia aged care provider Bethanie, says it’s 100% necessary that a person cares for their body and mind, but the spirit is often forgotten.
Daniel Viljoen, coordinator of Chaplains at Western Australia aged care provider Bethanie, says it’s 100% necessary that a person cares for their body and mind, but the spirit is often forgotten.
For the second year, Bethanie will hold Purple Week, starting today, to acknowledge the spiritual journeys of aged care residents.
Purple Week was traditionally about acknowledging the work that Bethanie Chaplains undertake, but the staff and volunteers who have contributed to the spiritual journey of residents will also be recognised this week.
Mr Viljoen (pictured) tells DPS News neglecting the spirit can cause depression and anxiety, “things you cannot often fix with medication”.
“Spiritual care can bring calm to aged residents, helping them feel at home, part of the community, valued and cared for,” he says.
With six fulltime, four parttime and several relief chaplains on board, Bethanie provides the service of chaplains complimentary to all clients. For those sites that don’t have full time chaplains, part time chaplains and local church based groups regularly make visits to provide services.
Spiritual care is the “ultimate meaning of life” and helps to form relationships with oneself, others and God.
“We sit with residents and talk to them about these three relationships and engage in activities like art and drawing,” Mr Viljoen says.
The colour purple is commonly used to identify chaplains and clergy, which is where the name Purple Week stemms from.
Over the five day period the Bethanie chaplains will be dressed in purple visiting each centre to discuss what they can offer and their role within the organisation. Staff and clients are encouraged to wear purple to show their support and to offer thanks.
Bethanie chaplains will be handing out special acknowledgement pins to the staff and volunteers who have provided and enabled spiritual care.
