Support Services
Villa Maria provides two types of Support Services: Social Work Services and Pastoral Care.
Social Work Services
What are Social Work Services?
Support to cope with life's challenges and difficulties
Social Work Services are offered to all clients of Villa Maria, their families and carers. The service provides short-term individual casework, counseling, advocacy and group work.
What does Social Work Services provide?
A social worker may help a client with the following:
- Grief and loss;
- Relationships;
- Lifestyle changes and transitions;
- Changes in health;
- Anxiety and stress;
- Communication;
- Social isolation;
- Accommodation; and / or
- Financial and legal matters
These issues can be discussed in a confidential, supportive environment with qualified staff that have expertise in the areas of aged care and disability. All Social Workers at Villa Maria adhere to the Code of Ethics set by the Australian Association of Social Workers.
How do I get access to Social Work Services?
Social Work can be contacted on (03) 9854 5111 or by emailing social.work@villamaria.com.au. There is no cost to the user however the service is of a short-term nature only. People requiring ongoing intervention may be referred on to more appropriate services.
Pastoral Care
What is Pastoral Care?
Pastoral Care offers spiritual and emotional support, comfort and companionship for residents, their family and Villa Maria staff. Pastoral Care is offered on site at our Centres and is also available to people with disabilities in their own homes.
What does Pastoral Care provide?
Pastoral Care aims to:
- Offer comfort and companionship;
- Offer spiritual and emotional support and encouragement;
- Help people reconnect with what gives life meaning and value;
- Share prayer where appropriate;
- Be open to ecumenical and inter-faith dimensions;
- Act as an advocate or arrange for advocacy; and
- Provide information on services that are available.
Each year the Pastoral Care Group organises a retreat day and an Advent afternoon for people who are involved with Villa Maria. The group also organises a Eucharistic celebration in memory of people connected with Villa Maria who have died within the last twelve months as well as a ecumenical memorial at most of our Centre locations.
How do I get access to Pastoral Care?
To contact the Pastoral Care Coordinator, please call (03) 9854 5159 or email pastoral.care@villamaria.com.au.