Aging, Spirituality and Palliative Care by Elizabeth MacKinlay, editor.Gain greater depth of understanding of end-of-life spiritual issues for older adults The period of time when a person approaches death is always difficult both for the patient and the caregiver. Aging, Spirituality, and Palliative Care discusses best practices in aged and palliative care while addressing patients'' diverse spiritual needs. Leading authorities'' presentations from the Third International Conference on Ageing and Spirituality in Adelaide, Australia, in 2004 explore practical, sensitive spiritual approaches to help older patients deal with aging, illness, and approaching death. Aging, Spirituality, and Palliative Care carefully examines what can be the most spiritually meaningful time in the life of an aging person--confronting illness and death. Though they may be unafraid of dying, older people many times fear the pain and suffering that may accompany it. The process of dying is presented with care and reverence, while providing effective approaches to increase comfort, spirituality, and quality of life. Each chapter is extensively referenced, and many include tables and figures that enhance understanding of research data. Topics in Aging, Spirituality, and Palliative Care include: helping older people to ''sustain the self'' to allow them freedom to do personal spiritual work helping patients cope with changing circumstances providing a sense of direction the opposition of spiritual values by contemporary social policy caring for each person as an ''ensouled body'' and ''embodied soul'' assessing spiritual needs a positive approach to dementia spiritual reminiscence as exploration of life meanings study comparison of traditional religiousness versus de-institutionalized spiritual seeking the pain associated with dying--and spirituality''s place in it addressing the multiple aspects of suffering clowning as care of the spirit Buddhist and Christian approaches to understanding aging, death, and spirituality caregivers adapting to the world of the patient the spiritual aspect of palliative care in residential aged care personal competence and operational competence in student learning intimate, professional, and communal fidelity Aging, Spirituality, and Palliative Care is meaningful, valuable reading for chaplains, pastoral workers, palliative care providers, social care providers, nurses, diversional therapists, and other workers who care for the aged.hes to increase comfort, spirituality, and quality of life. Each chapter is extensively referenced, and many include tables and figures that enhance understanding of research data. Topics in Aging, Spirituality, and Palliative Care include: helping older people to ''sustain the self'' to allow them freedom to do personal spiritual work helping patients cope with changing circumstances providing a sense of direction the opposition of spiritual values by contemporary social policy caring for each person as an ''ensouled body'' and ''embodied soul'' assessing spiritual needs a positive approach to dementia spiritual reminiscence as exploration of life meanings study comparison of traditional religiousness versus de-institutionalized spiritual seeking the pain associated with dying--and spirituality''s place in it addressing the multiple aspects of suffering clowning as care of the spirit Buddhist and Christian approaches to understanding aging, death, and spirituality caregivers adapting to the world of the patient the spiritual aspect of palliative care in residential aged care personal competence and operational competence in student learning intimate, professional, and communal fidelity Aging, Spirituality, and Palliative Care is meaningful, valuable reading for chaplains, pastoral workers, palliative care providers, social care providers, nurses, diversional therapists, and other workers who care for the aged.ain associated with dying--and spirituality''s place in it addressing the multiple aspects of suffering clowning as care of the spirit Buddhist and Christian approaches to understanding aging, death, and spirituality caregivers adapting to the world of the patient the spiritual aspect of palliative care in residential aged care personal competence and operational competence in student learning intimate, professional, and communal fidelity Aging, Spirituality, and Palliative Care is meaningful, valuable reading for chaplains, pastoral workers, palliative care providers, social care providers, nurses, diversional therapists, and other workers who care for the aged.
ISBN: 9780789033420
Publication Date: 2006
Aging and Spirituality by David O. MobergExplore the spiritual dimensions of aging through science, theory, and practice! During the later years of life, many people devote energy to a process of spiritual awakening and self-discovery. Yet their family, friends, clergy, and the helping professionals who work with them are not always prepared to understand or deal with the spiritual concerns of their clients. Aging and Spirituality provides a unique, far-reaching overview of this long-neglected field. Divided into four independent but interwoven sections, this landmark book covers the spiritual realm with scientific rigor and deep human understanding. Aging and Spirituality comprehensively surveys the issues of spirituality, from the groundwork of basic definitions to detailed assessments of the role spirituality plays in the lives of the elderly and suggested directions for further research. This book's unique approach combines scholarly research and practical nuts-and-bolts suggestions for service delivery. By drawing from many disciplines and professions, it offers fresh perspectives to even those practitioners already familiar with the most effective spiritual techniques their own field can offer. Aging and Spirituality answers such common questions as: What are the spiritual needs of people later in life? Is there any solid evidence that prayer changes things? How is spirituality related to physical and mental health? Does spirituality matter when people know they are dying? How can we measure spiritual wellness and assess the outcomes of activities intended to enhance it? Will attention to spirituality aggravate or alleviate the losses--of friends, family, health, youth--that so often occur during old age? Aging and Spirituality provides a much-needed resource for health care professionals, clergy, social workers, and counselors working with geriatric clients. By integrating spiritual issues into the theoretical framework of social gerontology, Aging and Spirituality will help you understand the scientific foundations, practical applications, and public policy implications of spirituality for older adults.
Making Sense of Spirituality in Nursing and Health Care Practice by Wilfred McSherryThis is a well-written and useful book, particularly for those healthcare professionals who, with a little more confidence, and perhaps some Chaplaincy support, are well able to support their patients on their spiritual journeys. It would be an excellent tool for learning sessions between Chaplaincy and nursing staff, along with other relevant professional groups.' - Signpost 'This book considers why the spiritual needs of individuals are important. In an attempt to explain, the book uses case studies, which show the relationship of theory to practice. It is an interactive book encouraging reflection to explore the meaning of spirituality to patients and health care professionals. The exercises also attempt to explain the importance of a team approach to spiritual assessment as part of a holistic assessment. The book gives clear explanations of spirituality in the context of Holism and the different sections give plenty of food for thought. There are excellent references and suggestions for further reading. It is not a book for light reading but would be invaluable when encountering difficulties with a spiritual assessment or situation.' - Journal of Community Nursing Caring for the spiritual needs of patients is a highly significant yet often neglected and misunderstood aspect of health care. This results, in part, from a general lack of guidance and instruction given to healthcare professionals on the subject. This new edition of an established introductory guide to spirituality and health care practice draws extensively on case studies illustrating the application of theory to practice. It encourages the exploration, through reflective activities, of what spirituality means, both to patients and to the healthcare professionals caring for them. This book provides a comprehensive introduction to spiritual care for heath care professionals in all areas of practice.
ISBN: 9781843103653
Publication Date: 2006
The Spiritual Dimension of Ageing by Elizabeth MackinlayWhat gives a frail and isolated or institutionalised older person their sense of wholeness and self? What makes later life meaningful? This clear and practical text presents much-needed guidance for health and social care practitioners, as well as for religious professionals, seeking to identify and meet the spiritual needs of older people in their caring role. Drawing on in-depth interviews with older people, Elizabeth MacKinlay, an experienced nurse and chaplain, develops an understanding of spirituality that enables the reader to explore the spiritual dimension of ageing and to learn how it contributes to well being and health in later life. This accessible and inspiring book will be a useful text for students, trainers and academics, policy makers and practitioners in health and social care, as well as religious professionals, in hospital, residential and other caring settings.
ISBN: 9781846420375
Publication Date: 2001
Spiritual Dimensions of Ageing by Malcolm Johnson (Editor); Joanna Walker (Editor)Our understandings of both ageing and spirituality are changing rapidly in the twenty-first century, and grasping the significance of later life spirituality is now crucial in the context of extended longevity. Spiritual Dimensions of Ageing will inform and engage those who study or practise in all fields that relate to the lives of older people, especially in social, psychological and health-related domains, but also wherever the maintenance and development of spiritual meaning and purpose are recognised as important for human flourishing. Bringing together an international group of leading scholars across the fields of psychology, theology, history, philosophy, sociology and gerontology, the volume distils the latest advances in research on spirituality and ageing, and engages in vigorous discussion about how we can interpret this learning for the benefit of older people and those who seek to serve and support them.
ISBN: 9781107092570
Publication Date: 2016
Spirituality and Personhood in Dementia by Albert Jewell (Editor)Positive shifts in attitudes mean that emphasis is now being placed on the person with dementia and their personal relationships, rather than the illness. There is also growing recognition of the significance of a person's spiritual life in forming an essential basis for their sense of identity, and in providing them with a resource for coping. Offering an inter-disciplinary approach to spirituality and personhood in dementia care, the contributors to this book are leading practitioners and researchers in the field. They provide both a theoretical structure and a practical understanding of the essential role that spirituality can play in the affirmation of personhood and identity, and of ways in which the spiritual well-being of people with dementia can be nurtured. This thought-provoking book includes chapters approaching the subject from Christian and Buddhist perspectives, discussion of inter-faith relations, and of what spirituality might mean for those not part of any faith tradition. This will be valuable reading for nurses, care workers, care commissioners and pastoral support professionals interested in a more holistic and contemplative approach to caring for people with dementia.
ISBN: 9781849051545
Publication Date: 2011
Spirituality of Later Life : on Humor and Despair by Elizabeth Mackinlay (Editor)"Humor expresses a certain heroic defiance in the face of life's most challenging experience and provides a valuable resource for the celebration of life and the divine comedy of faith, hope, and love."--From the book chapter by Melvin A. Kimble, PhD Studies have shown that as many people age, their spirituality deepens. Spirituality of Later Life: On Humor and Despair explores the challenges faced by those in later life and the use of humor for self-transcendence to achieve greater strength and deeper spirituality. Respected authorities share their insights on humor and despair in the process of spiritual development in later life, with discussions on how to provide effective pastoral practice in aged care. Spirituality of Later Life: On Humor and Despair presents the major issues that challenge people in later life that could lead them to either spiritual integrity or despair. Beyond the physical and psychosocial, this book shows how the journey into aging can--through humor--become self-transcendent and deeply spiritual in the face of physical decline. This theological perspective illustrates the full breadth of issues facing those in later life. It presents effective pastoral frameworks of care for those who struggle with the depression, dementia, disabilities, losses, and terminal illness that may accompany aging. Spirituality of Later Life: On Humor and Despair explores: humor as a path to self-transcendence in later life later life's 'paradox of well-being' and 'defiant power of the human spirit' dementia and its effect on spirituality spiritual and pastoral care approaches for those with depression religiousness in older people with dementia the spiritual journey of hospice patients non-speech based pastoral care Spirituality of Later Life: On Humor and Despair provides valuable insights for aged care chaplains, parish clergy, pastoral and aged care workers, social workers, activity officers, health professionals, and anyone whose life includes an elderly person.