Abstract
Amid the move of health care toward a more holistic approach to wellness, many disciplines are acknowledging the role of spirituality in patient health and well-being. The need for holistic care is particularly salient in the geriatric population. This article summarizes writings from the last few years on the practical integration of spirituality into the rehabilitation setting, particularly as it relates to the geriatric client. Examples are provided from nursing, social work, occupational therapy, and medicine. Commonalities include the need for spirituality assessment, sensitive communication, access to spiritual resources, and inner work by the health professional.
HEALTH CARE literature demonstrates an accelerated proclivity toward wellness and holistic care. Many who provide health services wish to consider the connection of the mind, body, and spirit in treatment. 1,2 Authors repeatedly contend that for treatment to be most effective, clients' faith, beliefs, religion, and/or spirituality must be considered. 3-5 High-level wellness calls for an integration of the mind, body, and spirit in the quest for maximum functioning. 6 A "spirituality of aging" is therefore crucial for those older adults who choose to realize that meaning and purpose in life are possible despite the mental and physical changes that often accompany aging. This article summarizes writings from the last few years on the practical integration of spirituality into the rehabilitation setting, particularly as it relates to the geriatric client.