The Importance of Understanding

Spiritual Differences in the Caregiving Role

Rev. Eric J. Hall, MDiv, MAPresident and CEOHealthCare Chaplaincy Network

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Rev. Eric J. Hall

• President and CEO of HealthCare Chaplaincy Network– Chaplaincy, Education, Spiritual Research

• Founded Alzheimer’s Foundation of America– Brought together over 1600 organizations coast-to-coast

• Served on National Advisory Council on Alzheimer’s Disease with US Secretary of Health and Human Services

• Presbyterian Minister, Pastor, Eastchester Presbyterian Church

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•What is spirituality and how

does it differ from religion?

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•Meaning How do we make meaning

of our existence?

•Community With whom do we

connect as we seek to make

meaning?

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•Hope What are our sources of

hope and how do we access them?

•Holy What is holy and how do we

relate to that?

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•Spirituality plays a role in

healing

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•Many caregiving

professionals fear engaging

in courageous conversation

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•A patient’s spirituality often

differs from our own

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•Important for caregivers to have

general knowledge of various

spiritual traditions in order to care

for the diversity in our patients

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•Critical to have awareness of our own spiritual traditions and world views so we can be aware of our own biases and limitations

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•Limit the assumptions we

make about our patients and

their values

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•Patients draw out their own

spiritual resources

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•How can we identify spiritual

struggle and respond

appropriately?

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•Spiritual Struggle

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Understanding spiritual differences

enables caregivers to help patients

tap into their hearts

and unleash the life-giving

and healing forces

known as spirituality