1. Nursing Assistant Monthly DECEMBER 2007 Spirituality and aging Tending to the whole person Spirituality and aging

2. Nursing Assistant Monthly DECEMBER 2007 Spirituality and aging What is spirituality? It is what gives meaning to life. It is different for every person. Participating in an organized religion is one way to express spirituality.

3. Nursing Assistant Monthly DECEMBER 2007 Spirituality and aging Spirituality and older adults Some people feel that aging is a spiritual journey. As the end of life draws nearer, thoughts and feelings about the meaning of life become important.

4. Nursing Assistant Monthly DECEMBER 2007 Spirituality and aging There are many possibilities, and it depends on the person. Some examples of spiritual activities: Religious services and activities Meditation Listening to music Being with loved ones Contact with nature (plants, flowers, birds, animals) Reading or writing poetry Caregiving can be a spiritual activity too How is spirituality expressed?

5. Nursing Assistant Monthly DECEMBER 2007 Spirituality and aging The CNA’s role Anything you do to serve and comfort a resident… Anything you do to show you care… Anything you do that adds meaning to the resident’s life… supports his or her spirituality

6. Nursing Assistant Monthly DECEMBER 2007 Spirituality and aging Ways to help Learn what is important to the resident. If the resident can’t speak for him/herself, ask the family what was meaningful to the resident in the past. Help the resident to reconnect to this interest.

7. Nursing Assistant Monthly DECEMBER 2007 Spirituality and aging Praying with a resident Question: Is it OK to pray with a resident? Answer: It depends. Yes: if both the resident and you are comfortable doing so No: if either of you is not comfortable doing so * IMPORTANT! Never try to “preach” or convert a resident to your beliefs!

8. Nursing Assistant Monthly DECEMBER 2007 Spirituality and aging Your own spirituality Remember to tend to your own spiritual health. Spend some time and energy on the things that give your life meaning. Remember the BIG picture, and the importance of what you do!