The workshops on Wednesday, April 11 were facilitated by Merisa Holland from Meaningful Ageing Australia (MAA), which is the peak national body for Spiritual Care in Ageing.

Sixteen people attended the first workshop at CCA’s Emmaus residential aged care facility. It was aimed at carers, partners and families of people living in, or transitioning to, an aged care facility. 

A further 26 attended the second workshop at Newman Senior Technical College for CCA staff, volunteers and other care providers. 

The theme of both workshops was supporting older people in the transition to aged care.

CCA is a member of MAA, which has developed National Guidelines for Spiritual Care in Ageing and provides members with education and resources to assist with meeting a person’s spiritual needs as they age. 

“Spirituality is that which gives us reason to breathe – about how we connect with life in relationship with ourselves, with others, with nature and with our God,” CCA Pastoral Care Coordinator Sr Anne Hannigan said.

Merisa Holland said the structure of the workshops was more like a conversation, encouraging participants to share their experiences with each other.

“It’s important to realise the commonalities you share with other people who are going through similar things and to know you are not alone,” Merisa told participants at Emmaus. 

During the workshop, Merisa also provided some tips for helping people cope with the changes the transition to aged care may bring.