Spiritual Care in Ontario Long-Term Care: Current Staffing Realities and Recommendations

Abstract

How are spiritual needs addressed in long-term care? This quantitative study explored the level of spiritual care offered and qualifications of spiritual care providers in 177 LTC homes in Ontario. Data showed 49% of homes employ Spiritual Care Providers (SCPs), with more positions in urban and not-for-profit homes. Findings revealed SCPs bring a substantial skill set, attending to needs of residents, families and team members. More consistent staffing for spiritual care provision across the sector is recommended.

Supporting Spirits in Changing Circumstances: Pandemic Lessons for Long-Term Care and Retirement Homes

“…A similar dearth of spiritual care under these circumstances was anticipated in Australian aged care (Tan et al 2021). Also to be considered are the 51% of homes in this area which did not employ a chaplain pre-pandemic (Kuepfer et al 2022). With the loss of community volunteers, these homes were either left entirely without spiritual care throughout the pandemic, or with spiritual care in the hands of a team member (often recreation) who is unlikely to have the training or experience to provide appropriate spiritual care.…”

Promise, Provision, and Potential: A Hopeful Trajectory for Spiritual Care in Long-Term Care

“…The survey sent to SCPs/chaplains asked questions about the person responding to the survey and details about the spiritual care position they fill. Results from this part of the survey are reported in another article (Kuepfer et al, 2022). The remainder of the survey asked questions about the Spiritual Care program provided (what is offered formally/informally, division of time, adequacy).…”

“…(What does spiritual care currently look like? ) What are some best practices that inspire optimum spiritual care provision? What are the challenges and opportunities? Another article (Kuepfer et al, 2022) detailed findings about who is providing spiritual care. This article will focus on what is being provided, and the challenges, potential, and opportunities for spiritual care going forward.…”

A Graduated Approach to Spiritual Intervention in Health and Long-Term Care

“…And yet it is frequently reported that spiritual issues are neglected (Selman et al 2018). This is hardly surprising when we consider that qualified spiritual care providers are available in less than half of long-term care settings, and carry extraordinarily large caseloads when they are available (Kuepfer et al 2022a).…”