The Power of Spiritual Practices in Elder Care: Impact on Patients and Caregivers Alike with Elisa Bosley

Taking care of our elderly loved ones, especially those battling dementia, can be enriched by adding a sprinkle of spiritual support. Doing this can brighten up their day, enhancing their quality of life and comfort. Now, when we say spiritual support, it doesn't just mean religious services. We're talking about all the little things that bring a smile to their faces - whether it's the soothing strains of music, the vibrant splash of art, the tranquility of nature, or a stroll down memory lane to happy times. Even when words seem to fail, spiritual care has a magical way of connecting with them through their emotional and spiritual memories.

 

Elisa Bosley is a licensed chaplain specializing in elder care and shines as a beacon of hope and support in this field. Her work primarily revolves around addressing the spiritual needs of older adults, particularly those suffering from dementia. Recognizing the complex challenges these individuals and their families face, Elisa provides tailored spiritual support that respects the individual's faith background and current cognitive abilities. In this episode, Elisa and Anna address the challenges of elder care, the importance of spiritual support, the miraculous effects of music on dementia patients, and the creation of resources for caregivers.

 

Quotes:

• "Spiritual care is part of every single human being. It's needed by every human being because it brings things like joy, purpose, hope, comfort, and assurance." – Elisa Bosley
• "Their soul is still there, as young as the day they were born, alive and vibrant." – Elisa Bosley
• "The part of the brain responsible for music storage and memory is almost completely untouched by dementia, throughout the entire course of the disease." – Elisa Bosley
• "What I do is what I've often called 'the not yet hospice,' because as you say, the journey can last for years." – Elisa Bosley

 

Takeaways:

• Spiritual care is a wonderful gift we can give to older adults, especially those with dementia. It truly uplifts their spirits and adds quality to their life.
• Activities like music, Bible study, and prayer work like magic! They help individuals with dementia tap into their long-term memories and create moments of pure joy.
• Providing spiritual care benefits the person with dementia as well as their caregivers, who gain hope, purpose, and meaning. 
• A centralized resource of spiritual content can enable anyone to engage with their loved ones with dementia meaningfully.
• Music is an incredibly powerful tool for connecting with those with dementia. This is because the music memory centers in the brain stay strong.
• It's crucial to recognize and respect a loved one's spiritual needs and identity, regardless of the progression of their condition. After all, they're the same person we've always cherished.

 

Conclusion:

 

Teaching others about the importance of spiritual care in elder care is very important. By providing helpful tools and information, we can play a part in ensuring that the spiritual needs of our elderly are recognized and fulfilled with love and intent. Once we truly understand and acknowledge these needs, that's when we can begin to offer comprehensive care that caters not only to their physical well-being but also nourishes the spirit of our elderly.

 

Resources:

Annalee’s LinkedIn

Episode Website

Learn more about The Elder Planning Specialist designation and certification program at Plan For Life Now

 

Guest Links:

Elisa's LinkedIn

Elisa's Website