Understanding Spiritual Differences 2014

The Importance of Understanding Spiritual Differences in the Caregiving Role Rev. Eric J. Hall, MDiv, MA President and CEO

HealthCare Chaplaincy Network

Rev. Eric J. Hall • President and CEO of HealthCare Chaplaincy Network – Chaplaincy, Education, Spiritual Research

• Founded Alzheimer’s Foundation of America – Brought together over 1600 organizations coast-to-coast

• Served on National Advisory Council on Alzheimer’s Disease with US Secretary of Health and Human Services • Presbyterian Minister, Pastor, Eastchester Presbyterian Church

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• What is spirituality and how does it differ from religion?

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• Meaning How do we make meaning of our existence? • Community With whom do we connect as we seek to make meaning?

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• Hope What are our sources of hope and how do we access them? • Holy What is holy and how do we relate to that?

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• Spirituality plays a role in healing

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• Many caregiving professionals fear engaging in courageous conversation

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• A patient’s spirituality often differs from our own

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• Important for caregivers to have general knowledge of various spiritual traditions in order to care for the diversity in our patients

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• Critical to have awareness of our own spiritual traditions and world views so we can be aware of our own biases and limitations 10

• Limit the assumptions we make about our patients and their values

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• Patients draw out their own spiritual resources

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• How can we identify spiritual struggle and respond appropriately?

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• Spiritual Struggle

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Understanding spiritual differences enables caregivers to help patients tap into their hearts and unleash the life-giving and healing forces known as spirituality 15