Defining pastoral care for older people in residential care

Abstract

The concept and definition of pastoral care in aged care remains ambiguous. This paper reports on the defining characteristics and meaning of pastoral care from the perspective of older recipients, their family members and pastoral care workers. Using a qualitative descriptive approach semi-structured in-depth interviews were conducted with 18 pastoral care workers and 11 older people. Transcribed data were analysed using NVivo software and coded for emerging themes. The defining characteristics of pastoral care that emerged from analysis of transcribed interviews were: a trusting relationship, spiritual support, emotional support and practical support. Findings also portray the role of the pastoral care worker as spiritual guide, confidante, and emotional and practical supporter acting within a trusting relationship. Future studies should confirm these results by exploring the perceptions of experts in the field of pastoral care.

What is known about the spirituality in older adults living in residential care facilities? An Integrative review

“…All studies undertaken in older adults (60 years and over) using quantitative, qualitative and mixed methodologies were included in the review. When the inclusion criteria of older adults in the selected articles was closely scrutinized, two articles had mixed older adults living in community and RCF (Rykkje, Eriksson, & Raholm, ; Wilkes, Cioffi, Fleming, & Lemiere, ). The remaining 5 articles exclusively focused on RCF (Baldacchino, Boneilo, & Debattista, ; Blank, Wood, & Egan, ; Erichsen & Bussing, ; Man‐Ging, Oven Uslucan, Fegg, Frick, & Bussing, ; Wallace & O'Shea, ).…”

“…The reviewed articles used a wide variety of quantitative, qualitative and mixed methodological approaches. Three studies used qualitative approaches including Gadamerian Hermeneutics and narrative inquiry (Blank et al., ; Rykkje et al., ; Wilkes et al., ). Three studies used quantitative approaches (Erichsen & Bussing, ; Man‐Ging et al., ; Wallace & O'Shea, ), and measured spiritual needs and care of older adults using the Spiritual Needs Questionnaire (SpNQ) and Spirituality and Spiritual Care Rating scale (SSCRS).…”

“…Five studies included the perspectives of older adults (Baldacchino, Boneilo, et al., ; Erichsen & Bussing, ; Man‐Ging et al., ; Rykkje et al., ; Wallace & O'Shea, ); one interviewed caregivers and nurses (Blank et al., ); and one integrated the viewpoints of both older adults and caregivers (Wilkes et al., ). Female participants outnumbered male in all studies.…”

“…Spiritual care, on the other hand, has been described as compassionate, respectful, and incorporating a holistic approach (Blank et al., ; Rykkje et al., ). Establishing trusting relationships and providing spiritual, emotional, and practical support have been identified as major attributes of spiritual care (Wilkes et al., ). In general, spiritual care of older adults means taking into account the importance of their spiritual needs as identified by them.…”

“…Substantial research has been published on spiritual needs of hospitalised older adults (Hodge, Salas‐Wright, & Wolosin, ; Hodge, Wolosin, & Bonifas, ; Monod, Rochat, Bula, & Spencer, ). However, there is limited knowledge on spiritual needs of those residing in RCFs (Wilkes et al., ). Older adults living in RCF value the chance to be out in nature, maintaining strong connections with family and friends, reflecting on their past, being safe and giving back to others (Erichsen & Bussing, ).…”