Faith based community

Linda Jones, DNP, CRNPAssistant Professor of Nursing and Medicine

University of Alabama at Birmingham

We build on foundations, we did not lay.We warm ourselves at fires, we did not light.We sit in the shade of trees, we did not plant.We drink from wells, we did not dig.We profit from persons, we did not know.

(adapted from Deut. 6:10-12)

“She is temporarily the consciousness of the unconscious, the love of life for the suicidal, the leg of the amputee, the eyes of the newly blind, a means of locomotion for the infant, knowledge and confidence for the young mother, the mouthpiece for those too weak or withdrawn to speak, and so on.”

Parish nursing is a recognized specialty practice that combines professional nursing and health ministry.

Parish nursing is rooted in the Judeo-Christian tradition, and the historic practice of professional nursing, and is consistent with the basic assumptions of many faiths that we care for self and others as an expression of God's love.

…in collaboration with the pastoral staff and congregants, participates in the ongoing transformation of the faith community into sources of health and healing.

Through partnership with other community health resources, parish nursing fosters new and creative responses to health and wellness concerns.

The parish nurse serves the faith community and advocates with compassion, mercy, and dignity.

“One Size does not fit all”

Varying needs

Needs are not necessarily age related

People age in a very individualized manner

Complexity of needs of older adults

Psychology

Socioeconomic considerations

Technical nursing skills

Nutrition

Rehabilitiation

Ethics

Medical Surgical nursing

Community health nursing

Health education Legislation / Regulations

Cultural diversity

African American population often has a distrust of the medical community

African Americans are generally very trusting of their faith community

This gives the faith based community a unique OPPORTUNITY

Myths that persist are a type of ageism. These myths / attitudes often relate to an elders:

Cognitive function Benefit to society

Not teachable Ready to die

Smelly Societal drain

Resources

Personnel

Commitment

Vision

Resources

Personnel

Commitment

Vision

You are here today !!!

Opportunit ies:The Role of Lay Caring

Like professional caring, lay caring is embedded in social structures exercised as a normative practice in family, church and

benevolent organizations characterized by respect and compassion/empathy

Lay caring is distinctly characterized by trustworthiness reliability/availability mutuality/reciprocity similarity in background and experiences

Religious individuals may practice moderation and avoid risky behaviors based on

specific religious doctrine literal interpretation of Scripture belief that body is a temple of God, to be respected

Religious people have healthier l i festyles and perform fewer unhealthy behaviors

risky sexual practices alcohol illegal drugs tobacco

Religiously involved individuals may have less exposure to unhealthy lifestyles/deviant behaviors

social groups do not engage in deviant behaviors social circles do not frequent places with unhealthy lifestyles

Frequent Church Attendance▼

Perception of Highly Cohesive Congregation▼

Perception of More Spiritual/Emotional Support

▼Deeper Relationship with God

▼More Optimism

▼Better Physical, Emotional and Spiritual

Health Model developed by Krause N. Church-based social support and health in old age: Exploration variations by

race. Journal of Gerontology. November 2002;57B(6):S332-S347.Model supported by Data from a national sample supported this model, using global self-rated health as the

outcomeThe religion-health association was stronger in African Americans.

Seeing the faith community as a vital link

Knowing that your programs will have an impact

Expanding collaborations

Partnering with other resources to make a difference

What are the older adults’ service needs? Does the older adult want services? NOTE: Cognitively intact? Is this something appropriate for congregational

care, or do professionals need to be enlisted? Is this elder at risk? Who is/are the caregiver(s)?

Role changes Ageism (societal prejudice) Retirement Grief and loss Increasing health risks Awareness of mortality Reduced Income Shrinking social world

Community very important in encouraging and achieving optimal health

Cultural factors influence the way people understand diseases such as hypertension and diabetes

May involve education, counseling, transportation, assessing risks, improving nutrition, exercise, cognitive and social stimulation, etc.

Promotion of maximum independence

Community very important in encouraging and achieving optimal health

Cultural factors influence the way people understand diseases such as hypertension and diabetes

May involve education, counseling, transportation, assessing risks, improving nutrition, exercise, cognitive and social stimulation, etc.

Promotion of maximum independence

Older adults need to maintain as much independence as they can for as long as they can.

Many aspects of congregational care should be directed by this.

Spiritual Social Helping others Mentoring opportunities Innovative programs: life review, journaling,

forgiveness, transcendence, meaning and purpose, helping the older person to find pleasure and enjoyment in current life activities and circumstances.

In our society, one is often judged by appearance and productivity.

Every human has intrinsic worth. When the elderly lack the attributes that command

dignity for most of secular society, they can derive a sense of value and worth through their connection with God.

Eliopoulos, C. Gerontological Nursing.6 th ed. (2005) Philadelphia, PA. Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.

Slides on Lay Caring

Beverly Rosa Will iams, PhDAssistant Professor UAB School of MedicineDivision of Gerontology, Geriatrics and Pall iative Care

Also,Kelly Flood, MDAssistant Professor UAB School of MedicineDivision of Gerontology, Geriatrics and Pall iat ive Care

Contact us:- 011-25464531, 9818569476

E-mail:- [email protected]