Spiritual Care
What is Pastoral Care?
The transition from independent living to becoming a resident in long term care or supportive living is not easy. This move can create mixed feelings and emotional pain. Our Pastoral Care Coordinators are available for families and residents to talk about their struggles.
Father Lacombe Care Society Pastoral Care Coordinators are trained to work with individuals with varied religious backgrounds as well as those with no formal religious beliefs. Your minister, priest or rabbi is welcome to visit at any time.
Resident Support
Many residents are experiencing multiple losses and challenges at this time of life and are encouraged to speak with a Pastoral Care Coordinator about feelings of:
- Loss of independence
- Loss of self-work
- Loss of meaning and purpose
- Loss of abilities and independence
- Feeling abandoned and lonely
- Depressed or anxious
- Need for encouragement
- Need for companionship
- Need for validation and affirmation as a person
Family Support
Family members also deal with grief and stress related to placing their loved one into long term care or supportive living. Our Pastoral Care Coordinators are available to listen to concerns and offer helpful support for:
- Guilt of placement
- Understanding and coping with the devastating effects of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease
- Grieving the loss of family life
- Loneliness
- Pressure coping with the needs of your loved one in care while trying to maintain your own family and work routines
Staff Support
Our Pastoral Care Coordinators are available to staff to discuss issues related to compassion fatigue, grief and bereavement support, ethics and prayer or reflection. Pastoral Care Coordinators provide ongoing pastoral care education, stress management, and mission discernment.
Mass & Religious Services
Roman Catholic Mass is offered five days each week at Father Lacombe Care Centre and three days each week at Providence Care Centre. Pastoral Care Coordinators arrange of other religious services and supports.
Memorial Services
Memorial Services are offered twice each year to remember our residents that passed away. Families are invited by letter to join residents and staff in this time of remembering, giving thanks and saying farewell.