Auchlochan welcomes people from all religious traditions, and those without religious affiliation. MHA fosters care, compassion and respect for individual spiritual needs.
We have an interdenominational chaplaincy team comprised of four chaplains who offer encouragement, friendship, counsel and prayer to all residents and staff, regardless of any particular religious affiliation.
Having a dedicated chaplain for each care home and for independent living has proved to be a real strength, as both residents and staff come to know the chaplain as a valued member of the community, a trusted friend, part of the wider care and support team and someone in whom they can confide.
The team comes together each week to ensure that the needs of residents are being met, hospital visits are co-ordinated, funeral arrangements are in hand, and links are being maintained with the local community and its many churches and faith groups.
The Douglas Suite provides the ideal venue for regular evening meetings (including Sunday worship services) and musical entertainment, and a full programme of events is arranged by the chaplains. The evening events are broadcast on residents’ televisions in both Courtyard and the Retirement Flats. Similar events also take place within each care home.
Weekly prayer meetings are held in the Douglas Suite on Tuesdays. Auchlochan now has three housegroups, run by residents for residents, where we enjoy fellowship, Bible study and prayer in an informal setting.
Unique initiatives
MHA is continually developing its service in the areas of spiritual well-being and End of Life care.
“The Final Lap” training enables staff to support older people as they near the end of their life – a care priority that values both the individual and their family.
Life-story and reminiscence work, together with our wide-ranging “Seize the Day” initiative, has encouraged older people to recollect and celebrate their lives.
Through an extensive staff training programme, we are making complementary therapies such as reflexology, hand massage, and music therapy available free of charge to all MHA residents.