When seniors transition to assisted living, caregivers and family may find it difficult to help residents continue observing their faith, but fostering that spiritual connection can be beneficial for all. What can you do when getting your loved to their house of worship is no longer feasible? What if they are no longer able to read sacred texts and they fear losing their spiritual connection?
• Large Print Electronic Texts – For seniors with slightly impaired vision, a large print edition of sacred texts or other spiritual reading material can help. You might also want to purchase audio texts. Check with bookstores and your local library to find what versions are available.
• Saying Grace – For some, saying the blessing before a meal is a little way to foster spiritual participation. Consistency is important in maintaining faith and a sense of connection.
• Communicate Regularly About Spiritual Life – Engage in conversations that allow residents to express their spiritual needs. Ask them how you can help them feel more connected to their faith.
• Contact Local Places of Worship – Many clergy and lay volunteers make scheduled visits to offer religious programming and individualized spiritual care to assisted living residents.
• TV Programming – Televised broadcasts of religious services can help seniors feel like they are attending church, even though they may be restricted to an assisted living facility. When it’s possible, record favorite religious programming and watch it with your loved one. If other residents in the assisted living community would benefit from the same programming, invite them to participate too. After watching the services, residents can discuss the sermon with each other.
In addition to these options, many assisted living facilities are affiliated with religious denominations. At these facilities, full- and part-time clerical staff are on hand to meet the spiritual needs of senior residents.
Tags: assisted living, faith, spiritual
