Did your loved one enjoy going to a religious building on a regular basis? Do texts from their devotions appear scattered about their bedroom? Have they expressed concern about the difficulties in being transported to services?
A growing number of faith-based assisted living options exist.
It’s true that many of the older generations are more religiously devout than some of the youths we see today. A sweeping generalization, perhaps, but one that is borne out by a simple fact: faith-based nursing and assisted living facilities are seeing a growth spurt.
Consider the training programs. Colorado Christian University is creating an online course that merges independent study options with in-person clinical training that will enable its students to specialize in a variety of fields, including elder care.
“It [also] focuses on … how to integrate the Christian worldview into nursing practice,” says Colorado Christian University Professor Diann DeWitt told the Colorado Springs Gazette. “We focus on providing holistic care with an emphasis on spiritual care and cultural humility.”
Nurses in south Florida can find a continuing education about incorporating their spirituality and apply it to improve their patients’ quality of life at a conference put on by the Interfaith Health and Wellness Association. They are a wing of an upshot in faith-based nurses that now numbers double what it did 15 years ago, according to the Palm Beach Post.
“I am like a missionary,” Connie Fahey, a faith-based community nurse, told the news provider. “I can be there spiritually, have a few laughs with them and brighten their day.”
Are Faith-Based Assisted Living Communities the Right Choice?
So with the growth of the field, and of assisted living facilities that propose to add religion into the daily lives of their residents, there’s just one question: Is it right for your loved one?
Since assisted living facilities are regulated by the states, you can be sure that the medical training will still be there, and you can use power of attorney and living will documents to ensure that there are no conflicts on personal choices.
But as to whether or not it’s right in the specific case of your aging relative, ask yourself:
- How much time do they spend actively practicing their faith?
- How much time do they spend with members of their local religious community?
If it represents a significant fraction, research facilities that offer a faith-based facility; the continuity can help your loved one adjust more rapidly to a new environment.
