The purpose of the day was to stimulate discussion amongst pastoral carers for older people about the education and support they would value in relation to visiting as a vital part of the church’s ministry.
The day was organised so that is was participatory to enable those attending to share their experiences and aspirations; to consider the challenges and possible coping strategies and to help guide the work of FiOP.
The Rev. Alison Newell a Church of Scotland Minister who works for the Ignatian Spirituality Centre in Glasgow introduced the conference with two personal stories about celebratory encounters with older people. These illustrated the importance of mutuality which she encapsulated in the mnemonic “SPICE”
S piritual, P hysical, I ntellectual, C reative and E motional.
The experience might be mutual but it may not be equal. One may have more access to memory, one might be stronger physically, but at a deeper level there can be a giving and receiving on both parts.
However, there are also times of challenge in providing care which often relate to a situation of vulnerability. If this is met by sensitive responses from the family, church or professional helpers, a whole new vista can open up.
A faith perspective which says that God is known in vulnerability and knows our vulnerability is perhaps illuminative here. Jesus on the cross shares our vulnerability as he bears pain knowing what it is to be pushed to the limit and even feeling forsaken by God. We do not need to hide our vulnerability or be ashamed of it, and as carers we may find that it is as we are supported with sensitivity in our vulnerable, painful places that we become more able to support those we care for in theirs.
Sometimes a new place of strength emerges. This strength which comes in and through sharing our vulnerability and facing our fear is often experienced as a surprising gift and grace.
Alison finished with a quote, 2 Corinthians 4:7 and 4:16.
“So we do not lose heart……. We are afflicted in every wayThe rest of the day was spent in small groups considering how people had met the challenges of caring; how their spiritual needs had been met as a carer and in proposing actions which FiOP could take in supporting carers.
but not crushed, perplexed but not driven to despair,
persecuted but not forsaken, struck down but not destroyed…”
These proposals included training and awareness-raising around dementia, communication, listening skills, working within residential care homes; creative activities and opportunities for carers to refresh themselves.
