Caregiving becomes a spiritual act when we realize there is a connection between ourselves, the person we care for, and God. Regardless of our caregiver model, we enter a sacred space when caregiving is perceived as spiritual. Truly, we are doing the work of God here on earth. We become the hands and feet of Jesus as we provide care for a person who needs our help, assistance, comfort, and support. We move into the spiritual realm of caregiving when we focus on the care of the body, mind, and spirit. As a hospice chaplain, I recognized our holistic approach to end-of-life care. Medical services were provided by doctors, nurses, nurse aides, and physical therapists. Social workers provided psychological support and practical support by acquiring community support and services. Volunteer coordinators had people to help with cooking, cleaning, transportation, and companionship for the patients and families. Volunteers are an invaluable support system in the ongoing care of the patient and their family members. As a chaplain, I provided spiritual support through prayer, home communion, spiritual counseling, and the general ministry of presence, or representing the work of Jesus in their lives. After the death of a loved one, I offered my services to perform a funeral or celebration of life service for the family. I also offered grief counseling and support for thirteen months after the passing of their loved one. As a hospice team, we seem to have a great approach to spiritual care in America. Perhaps we can place more of the elements of spiritual care at the end of life into the care of the person before they die. Due to budget cuts, fewer hospitals and care facilities have resident chaplains. This means if spiritual care is going to be offered in clinical settings, it may have to come from the already overburdened medical staff or family members. It is important to remember that spiritual care has more than just the focus on healing the body. Bringing peace to the mind and comfort to the soul is also a measure of health care. Spiritual care recognizes that true healing happens when we can care for the entire being. The body has its needs for care. The mind has to seek health for an effective and happy life. The soul needs to be nurtured n such a way that the person feels enlivened and connected to self, others, and the divine power that loves them. What is the spirituality of caregiving?
When we realize that God placed us on this earth to care for, support, and love each other, we enter the spiritual realm of care.