An Anglican Elder Care Projectin the Diocese of Christchurch

New Zealand

Presentation for the 5th International Conference on Ageing and Spirituality

“I’m 80 years old ... you think you know what might be ahead of you as you get older ... but now its only indecision and uncertainty”

New Zealand

September 2010 – July 2013

September 2010

Boxing Day 2010

February 2011

Buildings Collapse in CBD and elsewhere killing and injuring

hundreds.

Roads Destroyed

Homes are again in disarray

June 2011

Fortitude and Humour

Rest Home wrenched apart Urgent Evacuation

Making the best of it

Either … Or ….

Earthquakes and the older people among us.

... stories of fortitude and humour

The Anglican Elder Care Project

Questions

New Challenges

Age Concern Survey 2011 : Social Isolation

Difficulty with travel

Infrastructure damage

Loss of community services

Dislocation of support networks

Anglican Elder Care ProjectRESEARCHHow does the church work

with and care for older people?

How has the disaster affected people?

How has the church cared for older people during the recovery?

What do we need to do long term?

SUPPORT

Advisory role for parishes

and residential care

Workshops

New Initiatives

Elder Focussed Care

Gathering ‘under canvas’

Churches in Action

Earthquake Recovery

“My local shops and community centre have gone”

“ I don’t drive much – all the road works make it too confusing”

“The roads and paths are too damaged for me to use my mobility scooter or wheelchair”

“This was our retirement home”

“ My family church has had to be demolished”

“My local medical centre has gone”

“ My neighbours’ homes have been demolished – it’s a bit lonely here now”

“ Can’t get repairs”

“I just feel anxious all the time”

“The slightest rumble from a truck makes me want to duck for cover”

Ongoing Grief

High Levels of Anxiety

Helplessness and Frustration

Selwyn Centres for WellnessTo reduce

social isolation and

help build new networks of community

and companionshi

p Promote and

enhance good

health for coping and resilience

To support with

advocacy for

practical needs where

necessary

Thank you

All who Share All who Listen All who Care

Anglican Diocese of Christchurch Selwyn Foundation