1. Chapter 13 Spirituality

2. TERMS TO KNOW
Religion: human-created structures, rituals, symbolism, and rules for relating to God/higher power
Spiritual distress: a state in which one’s relationship to God or other higher power is disrupted or at risk for being disrupted and/or spiritual needs cannot be fulfilled
Spirituality: relationship and feelings that transcend the physical world

3. Introduction Comfort in knowing connection greater than self
Positive relationship with God or higher power
Spirituality core of being
Spirituality differs from religion
Religion is a significant manifestation of spirituality

4. Spirituality versus Religion
That which transcends ourselves and connects us to a higher power and other living organisms
Religion:
Involves human-created structures, rituals, symbolism, and rules for relating to a higher power

5. Spiritual Needs Love • Forgiveness Meaning and purpose • Gratitude
Hope • Transcendence
Dignity • Expression of faith

6. Question Is the following statement True or False?
Religion is a significant expression of spirituality, but highly spiritual individuals may not identify with a specific religion.

7. Answer
True
Spirituality differs from religion as spirituality is the essence of our being that transcends and connects us, while religion is a specific expression of spirituality. You do not have to be religious to have a spiritual connection.

8. Assessing Spiritual Needs
Spiritual assessment
Faith beliefs and practices
Affiliation with faith community
Extent to which spiritual needs are satisfied
Initial and ongoing
Fosters holistic care

9. Question
Which of the following is the best way to assess spiritual needs of an older adult during a holistic assessment?
Observing for clues to spirituality such as religious symbols
Asking the older adult about specific needs related to spirituality
Reviewing the face sheet of the admission assessment for their personal information
Asking family members about the needs related to spirituality

10. Answer
Asking the older adult about specific needs related to spirituality
As part of a holistic assessment, ask questions that directly address person’s spirituality and spiritual needs.

11. Addressing Spiritual Needs
Strong spiritual beliefs facilitate health and healing
Nursing strategies to address specific needs
Being available
Honoring beliefs and practices
Providing opportunities for solitude
Promoting hope
Assisting in discovering meaning in challenging situations
Facilitating religious practices
Praying with and for

12. Question Is the following statement True or False?
It is therapeutically beneficial to support patient’s spirituality and assist them in fulfilling spiritual needs.

13. Answer
True
Evidence suggests that strong spiritual beliefs facilitate health and healing; therefore, it is therapeutically beneficial to support patients’ spirituality and assist them in fulfilling spiritual needs.