How we help
We offer our clients and their families’ additional emotional and spiritual support through Baptcare’s pastoral carers and chaplains.
This support is provided at no charge and gives personalised, flexible support to people of all backgrounds and beliefs, and is designed to strengthen spiritual wellbeing.
Our pastoral care services are optional and confidential. They are available to any of our clients, their families and carers.
Baptcare cares for you as a whole person, whatever your situation or beliefs. Pastoral care aims to strengthen what keeps you going – the things that have made a difference in your life, both seen and unseen. Pastoral carers support you by getting to know you and what is important to you, really listening to all you want to express.
Pastoral care means paying attention to the path that life has taken for you; the types of connections you have with yourself, others, the environment and perhaps even God if that is helpful for you. We can also assist you in connecting with other people and/or faith communities if you wish.
Pastoral care focusses on truly getting to know people and genuinely hearing what is important for them to express and share in their lives.
It offers a compassionate presence, someone to talk with or just be with in times of change, uncertainty or questioning including:
- times of change or transition
- when facing personal challenges
- times of joy and celebration
- periods of bereavement, loss and grief
- when experiencing sadness, loneliness and isolation
- times when looking for comfort or encouragement.
Our Chaplains and pastoral carers are able to assist with prayer, sacrament and other religious practices. They are skilled in helping people to find creative, meaningful and appropriate rituals to assist with spiritual care and healing, whether or not they hold religious beliefs.
How to get started
Talk to a Baptcare staff member about getting in touch with a pastoral care worker or chaplain.
Or call us on (03) 9831 7222.
| Baptcare services | Examples of how we can help | How to get started |
|---|---|---|
| Aged care homes | We take special care in the first few months to support families with the transition to aged care accommodation. | All of our homes have onsite chaplains that can be contacted directly or via other staff. |
| Retirement Living | We can provide pastoral care in times of need including religious rituals and gathered worship where appropriate. | We can provide pastoral care in times of need including religious rituals and gathered worship where appropriate. |
| Home Help | We can visit in the home and provide companionship and listening when needed. | Talk to your care worker about a referral to pastoral care. |
| Disability services | We are available to support both clients and their carers as they navigate the ongoing challenges they face. | Talk to your case manager or support worker about accessing pastoral care worker. |
| Family, youth and foster care | We are able to provide an extra dimension of support, for example acting as a sounding board or getting the most out of your case management. | Talk to your case manager or support worker about accessing pastoral care worker. |
I was completely overwhelmed by the reality of my situation. Talking with the pastoral care worker helped me come to terms with the decision I had to make based on this reality. He gave me support and encouragement when I needed it most.L – Family services client
More about us
Mission, Vision & Values
Why we do what we do, what we focus on and how we go about it.
learn more
Our strategic plan
We will offer independence at home, deliver accommodation to suit lifestyle and budget & offer integrated family and community services.
learn more
Annual reports
Read more about our goals and performance in Baptcare’s Annual Reports.
learn more