An Invitation to Become an Associate Member of CAPS

Application for Associate Membership (pdf)

Dear Colleague

In a climate of increasing accountability in aged care, and the continual need to meet accreditation standards, it is important to be at the cutting edge of best practice.

The Centre for Ageing and Pastoral Studies (CAPS) was established in 2000 following a feasibility study supported by the University of Canberra, St Mark’s National Theological Centre, Charles Sturt University, Anglican Retirement Community Services in Canberra, and Wesley Gardens Aged Care in Sydney. The study clearly demonstrated the need for an ecumenical centre with strong links between the aged care industry and universities. CAPS was officially launched by the Federal Minister for Aged Care at its first national conference held in September 2001.

Since its beginning, many papers, seminars and/or workshops have been delivered, both nationally and internationally. CAPS has published a number of books. We have successfully run the two international and two national conferences on ageing and spirituality.

CAPS exists to develop further knowledge of ageing and spirituality in the Australian context by conducting research, publishing, and providing educational opportunities for both professional groups and older people. It functions out of a Christian ecumenical and ethical context on the site of St. marks National Theological Centre and the School of Theology at Charles Sturt University. The work is multidisciplinary, reaching out to aged care workers, aged care chaplains, clergy, health care professionals and older people. The focus and work of CAPS is unique within Australia.

CAPS is also endeavouring to reach out to the wider community, and has already established a number of links with mental health, ageing and spirituality organisations wordwide. For example, a strong link has been established with the only other centre especially set up for this work, the Centre for Ageing, Religion and Spirituality, in St Paul Minnesota USA.

CAPS invites you to become and Associate Member (see separate application form). This invitation should interest anyone who wants to implement appropriate ways to affirm older people, assist them to optimise their wellbeing, deliver holistic care that includes spiritual care and maintain a strong ethical basis for care. As on Associate Member, you will both benefit from our resources and assist in the continued development of this important work in an ageing society. The benefits form being an associate member include:

• Access to current research and educational opportunities
• News on ageing and spirituality on CAPS website and newsletters
• Discounted fees for CAPS conferences and seminars
• Discounts on CAPS publications and the ‘Journal of Religion Spirituality and Ageing’
• Consultancies, backed by the best in current knowledge and scholarship (fees to be negotiated)

If you wish to take up this offer, please complete and return the Associate Membership Application Form.

Yours sincerely

Rev’d Dr Elizabeth MacKinlay Director