Christmas in Aged Care - An Interview with Major Cheryl Kinder

December 18, 2024
Christmas in Aged Care - An Interview with Major Cheryl Kinder

When speaking of the Christmas period within The Salvation Army Aged Care’s residential aged care centres, Mission and Chaplaincy Manager, Major Cheryl Kinder, says that it is important to remind residents that they are part of a strong community. “They may not have their family, or anyone close, but they do have a community around them that are family,” she explains. “We want them to feel very loved and supported, even if Christmas doesn’t bring happy memories.”  

For many of us, Christmas evokes memories of joy, however, it can also be a lonely time. “For some it is really tough, or Christmas just reminds people of all the things they’ve lost, so I think it is important for our Chaplains to be able to listen to our residents where they’re at and help them to feel that we’re there to support and understand, as well as share the message of joy, peace, love and hope,” Major Cheryl states. She goes on to say that the role of the Chaplain is to also explore what Christmas means to a particular individual.  

“Given the four weeks leading up to Christmas is advent, our Chaplains will hold groups and Chapel around the advent theme,” Major Cheryl notes. “As we move towards recognising and celebrating the birth of Jesus, the four weeks symbolise hope, peace, joy and love. We often use the candles, lit each week, with a short devotion. Some would place visual displays around the Centre to raise awareness, others might do it in Chapel or small group. In the fifth week, the final candle lit marks the coming of Christ.”  

This same level of care and detail is applied to residents of diverse backgrounds. “We always work to support those people with different cultures and traditions,” Major Cheryl explains. “We want to do our best to support all residents and clients. It could involve visits from other groups, or other spiritual leaders, or arranging for residents to visit our place of worship; it is really important to support the individual's needs. The other thing we have done in the past is take a laptop to the resident’s room and sit and watch their service with them, to be present with them.”  

Another popular way to celebrate Christmas across our Centres and Services, is of course through the music of The Salvation Army band or vocal groups, which seem to always draw a crowd. “Working with other expressions of The Salvation Army, like a local Corps to present Christmas music or carol services for our Centres are greatly appreciated by residents and families”. 

When asked what the significance of Christmas is as the Mission and Chaplaincy Manager, Major Cheryl notes: “I believe the message of hope is the key thing for us. Knowing that there is a future in eternity through the gift of Jesus. Jesus being born and then subsequently his death, gives us the opportunity of a relationship with Him that offers hope, love and a future.”