ABOUT

Chaplains are patient and family advocates who can be helpful in guiding patients through the sometimes overwhelming processes in our healthcare facilities and systems. It is truly an honor to journey with patients, residents and families during these vulnerable times in their lives.

Clearly, in long-term care, there is the advantage of more time to spend with patients and residents. This ultimately allows for deeper, more personal pastoral relationships between the chaplain, patient and family members. Usually there are many spiritual and emotional issues for long-term residents upon their arrival to the facility. Issues dealing with fear, loss and anxiety are prevalent.  Many patients are admitted for a short rehab stay, but sometimes they are admitted with terminal, chronic conditions that prohibit participation in the therapy required for rehab.

The good news, though, is that the chaplain can journey with the residents as they process these emotions and feelings. In this setting, chaplains get to know each resident rather well – their interests, hobbies, life work, values and beliefs. The chaplain can encourage residents to reflect on their lives and redefine meaning and purpose for their future living in a long-term care senior living community. 

WHAT IS A CONVALESCENT HOME MINISTRY

As a volunteer Chaplain, a question that I anticipate from many is, “What is the convalescent home ministry?” Well, in order to answer that question, let me first start with describing what a convalescent home is. A convalescent home is a residence for patients to recover from long-term illnesses or medical procedures. It is this additional level of medical care and attention that distinguishes a convalescent home from other regular nursing or assisted-living facilities. And while some of the residents of convalescent homes anticipate a return to their own homes after recovery, there are also some that remain there for the rest of their lives. So while the residents at a convalescent home may have diverse medical conditions, they all require some sort of constant medical attention.

Beliefs and values are often challenged as you try to find a sense of meaning, of hope, or of comfort.
Whether you are someone who belongs to a religious community, a “spiritual-but-not-religious” individual, a person who has abandoned a childhood faith upbringing, or someone who has not thought about or has rejected any idea of a faith or spiritual foundation, there are still concerns you may find yourself wrestling with.

For example, you may be asking:

• Why is this happening to me?
• How will I manage everything?
• What impact will this have on my family?
• I don’t feel as confident in my beliefs now – where is God/my higher power/the Universe in all that is happening to me?
• How will I find any meaning or hope in this illness?
• What do I do next?
• How do I cope with all the emotions that are swirling inside me?

All of these questions, in fact any questions you have, are appropriate and normal and it is essential that you understand and embrace that during your illness journey. It is not unusual to struggle with a variety of emotions including fear, bewilderment, anger, sadness. Even if you are surrounded by a strong support system of family, friends, and others, there may be times when you need additional support: information, resources, and articles to help you make meaning of the challenges before you as well as bring you a sense of hope and affirmation.

Emotional anguish, spiritual distress, and physical suffering can all be part of a serious illness. But you don’t have to go through any of those things alone.

A BLESSING FOR YOU