The Study of Relationship Between Spiritual Care and Life Adaptation in Retirement Home Residents
Date Issued
2015
Date
2015
Author(s)
Lin, Chia-Hui
Abstract
Background and purpose： Spiritual care has been an important concern in long-term care, but has received less attention in institutional care in Taiwan. Most of the Seniors’ long-term care institutions for older adults in Taiwan only focus on the basic needs of physiological care, and neglect their mental and spiritual needs. The purpose of this study was：(a) to understand the spiritual needs of older adults living in a retirement home ; (b) to discuss the current situation with the staff on how to provide spiritual resources allowing them to turn to for help in times of crisis or concern ; (c) to discuss the relationship between the spiritual care and successful aging in retirement home. Research method: This qualitative study was based on the theory of Maslow''s hierarchy of needs. Semi-structured interviews were conducted by a researcher following a written interview guide. In this study 15 elderly residents and 5 staff members who work in the Buddhist private retirement home were interviewed. Findings: Highlights from the study''s findings included: (a) The Buddhism building and environment of the institution served as a great support for spiritual care and reduced older adults'' anxiety resulted from moving to the retirement home from their homes . A good accessibility to religious resources may increase the participation of religious activities and increase their social networks and social relationships with others among older adults. Through these activities older adults are more likely to meet their spiritual needs. The Buddhism environment also adds significant meaning to spirituality and the health of older adults living in the retirement home. . (b) Through the ritual of walking around the Buddha, older adults were able to increase their physical activity and to maintain physical health as well as meeting their spiritual needs. (c) Through Buddhism, the Buddhist nun served as a mentor of the older adults and was able to help older adults to think positively and to fulfill older adults'' needs for spiritual care. (d) Spiritual care can provide elder residents a source of calm and healthy life. Religion can be a good tool for providing spiritual care. Discussion and Recommendations: Spiritual needs are not considered priority in the theory of Maslow’s Hierachy Needs. In long-term care setting, older adults'' spiritual needs should be considered while meeting older adults'' basic needs and more advanced needs. Through spiritual care, older adults living in a retirement home can meet the needs of physiological, safety, love, ''esteem, and self-actualization, and move forward toward successful aging. According to our study findings, we recommended: (a) Families'' acknowledgment of spiritual care can have a great influence on elder residents. (b) Staffs'' training in providing spiritual care should be strengthened. (c) Spiritual care related activities are strongly recommended for institutionalized elders, which may improve their health both physically and psychologically.
Subjects
spiritual care
adaptation life
qualitative study
Maslow’s needs Hierachy
successful aging
Type
thesis
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