The Resilience of Pastoral Care in Australian Catholic Aged Care Services

The majority of regulated residential aged care in Australia is provided by faith-based providers, with the Catholic Church in Australia providing one in ten of all such services. Despite challenges caused by the decline in active involvement of clergy and religious and government regulatory and financial constraints, pastoral care in Catholic residential aged care is present, evolving, and thriving. Fostering a holistic pastoral environment is also essential to the viability and effectiveness of pastoral care in aged care. A new approach to government funding is needed to foster innovation and a holistic response to the needs of older Australians.