Deriving Meaning and Faith in Caregiving
Section snippets
Research and Evidence Supporting Spiritual Care for Family Caregivers
Numerous studies have described the psychological experiences of family caregiving and common issues of depression, anxiety, living with uncertainty, and the anticipatory grief of family caregivers.4, 5, 6, 7 This body of literature has provided the evidence for development of care for family caregivers, including support groups, Web sites, written materials, peer support, and counseling services. Beyond these emotional needs, there are also profound spiritual needs as caregivers wrestle with
Assessment of Spiritual Needs of Family Caregivers
Chaplains are the spiritual care experts and an invaluable support to oncology nurses. Chaplains offer skilled spiritual assessment and screening, spiritual care intervention, bereavement support, rituals, and many other forms of care for patients and families. However, in most cancer settings, there may be only one chaplain position or even less than a full-time chaplain devoted to an entire oncology service. This is also often limited to the inpatient area and for a limited number of hours
Clinical Application of Spiritual Care
Given that in most medical settings chaplains are few in number, it is all the more important that oncology nurses have, at the very least, a strong, basic understanding of spiritual care. Nurses are often called upon and expected to provide such care in the absence of trained chaplains. It is easy to understand how oncology nurses might feel uncomfortable or even inadequate in providing spiritual care, especially if it is defined only in religious terms. While religious care is most definitely
Foundation of Spiritual Care
As previously stated, many spiritual issues must certainly be addressed by trained chaplains who have experience and expertise in the area. There are four core interventions that form the foundation of spiritual care: presence, deep listening, bearing witness and compassion in action.14 These essential interventions can be provided by anyone with willingness, practice, and self–awareness.
Conclusion
The impact of cancer affects more than just the person whose body it inhabits; it affects the whole family. From the time of diagnosis and the beginning of treatment there is a great deal of focus on the patient's physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual needs. The needs and adjustments of the caregiver, whose life has also been radically altered with the diagnosis, are greatly increased as well.22, 23, 24, 25 Spiritual intervention can make a positive difference in a caregiver's life and
Betty R. Ferrell, RN, PhD, MA, FAAN: Research Scientist, Department of Nursing Research and Education, City of Hope National Medical Center, Duarte, CA.
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Cited by (17)
Spiritual Care Communication in Cancer Patients
2017, Seminars in Oncology NursingCitation Excerpt :Conducting a spiritual history serves as a first step to providing information on a patient and family's spirituality, fosters comfort of openness and facilitates future openness, and enables nurses to provide whole person care. Conducting a spiritual history can give oncology nurses insight into patient and family needs, and it can also help identify individuals in the greatest need for chaplaincy support.7 Chaplains have specialized education and training in conducing spiritual assessment, providing spiritual support and counseling, carrying out spiritual rituals at a family's request, and can make a referral to community clergy if deemed beneficial.
Meaning in stroke family caregiving: A literature review
2017, Geriatric NursingCitation Excerpt :Konstam et al16 suggested that finding positive meaning in caregiving is the key to understanding well-being among caregivers of patients with Parkinson's disease and is a source of empowerment. Efforts have been made to uncover the meaning in caregiving among caregivers of patients with long-term illnesses, such as dementia,17,18 cancer,19,20 and HIV.21 However, given that stroke family caregivers usually assumed their roles suddenly and with barely enough preparation, their caregiving experience and perceived meaning may be different from those of caregivers of people with other chronic illnesses.
How does spirituality manifest in family caregivers of terminally ill cancer patients? A qualitative secondary analysis
2022, Palliative and Supportive CareParkinson’s Disease Carepartners’ Perceptions of the Challenges and Rewards of Caregiving
2024, American Journal of Hospice and Palliative MedicinePredictors of Spiritual Well-Being in Family Caregivers for Individuals with Parkinson's Disease
2022, Journal of Palliative Medicine
Betty R. Ferrell, RN, PhD, MA, FAAN: Research Scientist, Department of Nursing Research and Education, City of Hope National Medical Center, Duarte, CA.
Reverend Pamela Baird, AS: End-of-Life Practitioner, Seasons of Life, Arcadia, CA.