Pastoral care study begins in Australia

University of Western Sydney researchers are conducting the first detailed study of services that tend to the spiritual needs of older Australians.

The scientists say they want to chronicle the pastoral care experiences of the elderly, their families and the people who deliver such services.

Professor Lesley Wilkes from the UWS School of Nursing said understanding the nature of the service is a crucial step to making it even better.

"Australia's population is rapidly aging," said Wilkes. "In less than 50 years, the percentage of older Australians will leap from 12 percent to almost a quarter of the population. Tending their spiritual needs will be just as important as maintaining their physical health."

Wilkes said pastoral care is often considered a low priority in Australia, largely because the benefit to individuals is not well understood. "This study will broaden the limited knowledge of the service and provide a much-needed foundation of understanding of the practice and value of pastoral care," she said.

"Traditionally, pastoral care has been thought of as a religious activity," Wilkes added. "But spirituality doesn't necessarily require a belief in God."

Copyright 2006 by United Press International