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Walking together with those approaching the end of their lives: Bishop Sproxton blesses new Comfort Care Centre

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Bishop Sproxton emphasised the importance of being witnesses of God’s love and walking together with people coming towards the end of their lives at the blessing of the building on 1 August. Photo: Supplied.

By Josh Low

The way in which we become the presence of God through the care we offer people was the focus of Auxiliary Bishop of Perth Don Sproxton at the blessing of the new state of art Comfort Care Centre at Catholic Homes’ Castledare Village this week.

Held on Tuesday 1 August, the blessing of the new centre occurred after the Comfort Care Centre became the first of its kind in WA to offer palliative care, specifically to the elderly.

Bishop Sproxton emphasised the importance of being witnesses of God’s love and walking together with people coming towards the end of their lives.

“God created the world and all things in it; that we might use them for our good and for the building up of the Church and human society.

“With this in mind, we ask the Lord to bless not just the buildings but the work of all of those who have formed this community of caring for those who are at the important time of their life, as they hand their lives back to the Lord in a very special way,” he said.

“I pray for our Catholic Homes staff who will work together to create the atmosphere of support and understanding as they accompany the residents.”

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The Most Rev Bishop Sproxton blesses the plaque for the new state of the art Comfort Care Centre. Photo: Supplied.

Comfort Care Centre Clinical Services Manager Natalie Joseph, said the idea for the centre came about after a need for end of life care for people living in the community was identified.

“The Comfort Care Centre was opened with the need for end of life care in mind and since we’ve been open, there has been an overwhelming response from the community.

“It has given patients their relationship back with family members because their family doesn’t have to concentrate on the care and the specifics involved,” she said.

Comfort Care Centre GP, Dr Chris Turner added that family members were therefore able to be ‘a loved one rather than a carer’.

“It gives patients and families that quality time back at an important period and allows space and time for all to be with their loved ones in a relaxed and dignified environment.

“It’s often challenging for the patient and the family, so it’s good to be able to provide holistic care to the patient in an uncluttered and unrushed environment.

“The whole process is about giving people the opportunity to die with dignity,” he said.