Supporting Spiritual Growth in Frail Elders
By Sandy Sabersky and Ruth Neuwald Falcon, Guest Bloggers
In our experience, the ability to go inward and find peace is essential for spiritual health and well-being. This is especially true for frail elders, who often experience feelings of grumpiness, sadness, fear, anger, and loneliness due to the losses associated with aging and dementia.
Spirit-centered care is focused on nurturing the spiritual growth of both frail elders and caregivers. It aims to help them become more open, loving, confident, and joyful. It is about creating meaningful and positive experiences for all involved.
So, how can we support the spiritual growth of frail elders? It starts with simple but powerful practices such as listening, smiling, sharing good humor, discussing big topics, including rituals, and embracing mindful silence. As a loved one or caregiver, you play a crucial role in nurturing the spiritual well-being of frail elders.
Engaging in meaningful conversations about important topics such as gratitude, love, and values can help elders feel seen and acknowledged for their full essence. Including rituals in daily activities, like sharing a cup of tea or admiring an object together, creates moments of connection and appreciation. Mindful silence can also be a powerful tool for promoting spiritual growth, allowing the frail elder to pause and experience moments of well-being.
The principles of Spirit-Centered Care, such as recognizing the essence of oneself and others, understanding equality, acknowledging life’s changing roles, and practicing deep listening, serve as the foundation for supporting spiritual growth in frail elders.
Overall, spirit-centered care is about honoring the essence of each person and treating them with deep respect. This approach can help frail elders feel valued, confident, and free to express themselves fully. It creates countless opportunities for creating meaningful moments and fostering spiritual growth.
THE ELDERWISE WAY AND THE PRACTICE OF SPIRIT-CENTERED CARE
