Listening is what we do best
At HammondCare, we know every part of your life is important – not just your physical or clinical needs. That’s why we have people whose job is to just be there for you.
When something’s on your mind, or when life is changing, it helps to sit down with someone you trust for a proper heart-to-heart. Our Pastoral Care team are expert listeners so – no matter what’s going on for you, big or small – we’d love to hear about it.
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See the difference we make
The practical side of pastoral care: Patricia’s story
As 85-year-old Patricia’s driving test was approaching, she started to feel anxious. She was worried about not passing, meaning she'd have to carry groceries on public transport, miss church, and forgo visits to her second cousin, a 40 minute drive away.
Pastoral Care Coordinator Carolyn noticed something was wrong when she visited Patricia for her birthday. As they talked, Carolyn helped Patricia break down each specific worry she had about her driving test, and then work through each one together. Carolyn researched the Service NSW website so she could explain to Patricia what the test would involve, and options if Patricia didn’t manage to pass.
The day after the driving test, Carolyn rang Patricia to see how she went. Patricia was thrilled to let her know she’d passed, adding, ‘I’m grateful to the pastoral care team for their support; they are such good company, and I can talk freely to them about anything.’
Being there for the toughest moments
Home Care client Marta has built a close relationship with our local team — a connection that became even more important after losing her son and husband within two years of each other. So it was to Pastoral Care Coordinator Karryn that Marta recently confided she's been feeling unwell. Sadly, a liver cancer diagnosis was soon confirmed, and Karryn and another regular visitor, Specialised Carer Meredith, accompanied Marta to her next specialist appointment, where Marta heard the devastating news that she only had months to live.
‘After the appointment we took Marta out for a coffee and sat quietly with her in her grief and pain,' said Karryn. 'Both Meredith and I will be there to provide ongoing support, so Marta has the familiarity and connection she needs for the remaining months of her life.’
Those pastoral visits and practical support from people she knows and trusts will help Marta face the months ahead knowing she doesn’t have to do it alone.
John and Gordon: a spiritual and scientific bond
Since the passing of his wife, HammondCare at Home client Gordon has faced challenges in attending church. Faith holds a significant place in Gordon's life, and the church serves as a vital expression of his beliefs and an opportunity to foster meaningful connections, especially after relocating to a new community. Understanding the importance of faith in Gordon's life, HammondCare was driven to assist him in nurturing this connection. Gordon expresses profound gratitude for the complimentary Pastoral Care service provided by HammondCare, with the dedicated support of pastoral care volunteer John.
“I really look forward to John’s visits – he's a nice man. We’re both scientists, so we share similar backgrounds. We always have a good conversation, and a short prayer together before he leaves. This helps a lot as church is not easy for me to attend these days.”
How the pastoral and care team celebrated Jeff and his legacy
*Jeff, a resident of Darlinghurst for two years, lacked family support and experienced isolation. However, the caring team at Darlinghurst rallied behind him, providing mental health support given by John Ashford. Recognising his talent as a poet, Jeff's heartfelt verses were published in the local Darlo Newsletter, and he found joy by joining the Friday Trivia group – providing him with a sense of belonging in his final days.
Recognising the importance of honouring Jeff’s life, the Darlinghurst team organised his funeral for Jeff, with the costs covered by donations from the HammondCare Foundation. Honoured by a Christian service conducted by Peter Ellem, Jeff's legacy lives on, celebrated by staff, volunteers, and friends.
*Jeff’s name was changed for privacy reasons.
The Christmas spirit
Carol singing is just one of the many ways the HammondCare pastoral care team provides social, spiritual and emotional support, strengthening relationship-based care for residents, clients and patients.
Pastoral Care Coordinator Carol shares: “Some remembered the music but not the lyrics, and mouthed the words as they sang along with smiles on their faces. A few residents had tears running down their cheeks during the singing of the hymn ‘Silent Night’”.
Through the transformative power of carol singing, every year, HammondCare's pastoral care team unites hearts, fostering moments of joy, reflection, and deep emotional resonance.
We do heart-to-heart
If you’d like to learn more about the support we provide, both spiritually and emotionally, please download our Pastoral Care brochure.
Find pastoral care near you
Pastoral care is available as part of our residential care, home care and health and hospital services. Phone support is included.
Tell us what's going on
Because even if you don't know what to do next, we do.
