Care for the elderly persons in Church and religious residential homes in Malta : ethical guidelines

Abstract

The ethical guidelines on the care for elderly persons presented in this publication are inspired by the vision and mission of pastoral ministry of the Church for senior citizens residing in Church and Religious homes in Malta. Throughout the centuries, the Church in Malta has played a pivotal role in the history of the elderly care and services. Today, the Church in Malta still considers social work and care for the elderly as one of its main pillars of diakonia. Inspired by the conviction that older people have dignity and fundamental rights, the Church in Malta is committed to promote an excellent quality of care, spiritual support, compassionate accompaniment, and sound ethical guidelines in the decision-making process in order to uphold the quality standards of its residential homes for the elderly. The values endorsed in these guidelines serve as a reminder that old people, despite their frailty and vulnerability, should not be regarded as a burden to society, as promoted by the so-called throwaway culture of today, but as the “messengers of tenderness ... and wisdom of lived experience”, as Pope Francis recently remarked. Care institutions for the elderly are called to create an environment that would let them “live to the full” by respecting, unreservedly, their dignity and rights. Promoting a holistic care for the elderly is the epitome of a sense of gratitude to God for the gift of life. Moreover, it is an acknowledgement that the quality of society and civilization in which we live depends on the sensitivity to the needs of the elderly and the vulnerable. Our elderly people deserve the utmost respect and high- quality services and care in our residential homes for they bear the scars of the struggles of life, the wisdom gained through time, and the grace that comes from perseverance. Their lives are not to be merely prolonged, but honoured, cherished and celebrated in a caring environment that does not only add years to life, but more decidedly life to years. This guidebook is an invaluable resource for chaplains, caregivers, families, and all those who accompany the elderly in the last stages of their life journey. It explores the complex ethical, spiritual, pastoral, and clinical challenges that arise as our loved ones approach the end of their earthly life. The insights on geriatric care enshrined in this booklet are grounded in compassion, informed by the latest developments in bioethics and healthcare professional ethics, and deeply anchored in the Christian understanding of the human person and the Christian perspective on life and death. My hope and prayer is that everyone who reads this document will be inspired to see Christ in the elderly, and to provide the highest quality of care and support that they so rightly deserve. May those engaged in elderly care, who are continuously navigating through thorny bioethical challenges, chart the journey of elderly healthcare with a deep sensibility and respect for a culture and civilization of life open to every human being at all stages of life.