DIPPING YOUR TOES INTO THE REALM OF SPIRITUALITY

DIPPING YOUR TOES INTO THE REALM OF SPIRITUALITY: THE WATERS ARE DEEP - CAN YOU SWIM? Sue Best, MSW, LCSW, Oregon Health & Science University Deacon, Augustana Lutheran Church

PCSW & Spirituality Goals of presentation: a. Examine the role of spirituality in palliative care/hospice. b. Define spirituality and religion. c. Identify spiritual concerns for patients/families. d. Discuss models of spiritual assessment. e. Describe ways for social workers to examine and nourish their spiritual foundations.

Introduction The importance of this issue Multifaceted nature of health Mandate to provide whole person care-Otis-Green & Irish, 2011 QOL PCSW well-suited to explore/assist with spirituality

Defining Spirituality & Religion

Spirituality “Spirituality is the aspect of humanity that refers to the way individuals seek and express meaning and purpose; the way they experience their connectedness to the moment, to self, to others, to nature, and to the significant or sacred. ” Nat’l Consensus Project, 2009.

Spirituality “Spirituality refers to our souls. It refers to the deep inner essence of who we are. It is an openness to the possibility that the soul within each of us is somehow related to the soul of all that is. “Spirituality is what happens to us that is so memorable that we cannot forget it, and yet we find it hard to talk about because words fail to describe it. Spirituality is the act of looking for meaning in the very deepest sense; and looking for it in a way that is most authentically ours. ” Miller/Doka, 2011.

Spirituality is the heart of helping. It is the heart of empathy and care, the pulse of compassion, the vital flow of practice wisdom, and the driving energy of service. Canda and Furman, 2010

Religion

Defining Religion is more collective and communal with a shared belief system which binds people together. Doka, 2011 Religion is a set of beliefs, practices and language that is searching for transcendent meaning and generally based on the belief in a deity. Sumalsy, 2002

Religion says: “Here are special words that are meant to be passed on. Take them to heart. Here is a set of beliefs that form a coherent whole. Take them to your own. Here are people for you to revere and historical events for your to recall. ” Miller/Doka, 2011

Spiritual Questions Why is this happening? What caused this? How do I deal with this? What will the future hold? What does this mean, symbolize? Will I die? How can I get through this? Where is God/Divine in this?

Assessment Tools FICA-Puchalski Spiritual Domains-Sumalsy Spiritual History-Doka Guide for Interprofessional Collaborative Spiritual Care - Consensus Project

FICA - Puchalski F = Faith, Belief, Meaning I = Importance and Influence C = Community A = Address in Care

Spiritual Domains – Sumalsy Religiosity Spiritual/Religious coping and support Spiritual well-being Spiritual needs

Spiritual History - Doka Do you identify with a particular faith? Do you actively practice that faith? Do you belong to a church, synagogue, mosque or other gathering place? How important is your faith system in making HC decisions? What practices do you utilize when stressed, anxious or depressed? What are the stories, prayers, Scripture verses or songs that offer comfort?

Inter-Professional Spiritual Care Guide Recognize spirituality as integral in HC. Perform a spiritual inquiry. Elicit the person’s ongoing spiritual concerns and needs. Be sensitive to the ways a person defines their spirituality. Respect personal autonomy to address or not address spirituality. Practice spiritual self-care. Collaborate with colleagues. Perform those services for which you are qualified.

The Nature of PCSW PCSW: a calling? Offering compassionate care Providing presence Creating sacred space

Spiritual Self-Care Specific ways to examine/reflect on our work Rituals to honor our work Nourishing our spiritual foundations Spiritual Discernment

Wishing you peace

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