This week in Canada, health care communities are celebrating Spiritual and Religious Care Awareness Week as they recognize the value of spiritual well-being for patients and residents in care. As a faith-based organization we have prioritized this aspect of care since our beginning. In recent decades, studies in neuroscience and psychology have affirmed the value of this priority through evidence-based research and practice.
Chaplains at each of our sites offer a specialized body of knowledge and practice that uniquely supports our residents, tenants and often their families in the journey of aging. However, every staff member plays a role in Bethany’s holistic approach to care that includes spiritual well-being. Being attentive to a person’s story, what gives them joy, hope or alternately causes them distress allows you to create a meaningful, personalized moment in your provision of care.
I invite you this week to engage with your chaplain as you consider your mutual contribution to caring that creates space for the spiritual expression of each person who lives and works with us.
Throughout the week chaplains at each site will be hosting “tea for your soul,” an expression of gratitude for your collaboration in spiritual nurture and an opportunity to bless the work you do if that is meaningful for you. We hope you might receive our special “cards of blessing” as a reminder of this appreciation.
Gratefully,
– Daranne
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