Expressions of Prayer in Residential Care Homes.

Publisher: Routledge Country of Publication: United States NLM ID: 8800764 Publication Model: Print-Electronic Cited Medium: Internet ISSN: 1528-6916 (Electronic) Linking ISSN: 08854726 NLM ISO Abbreviation: J Health Care Chaplain

Publication: Philadelphia : Routledge
Original Publication: New York, N.Y. : Haworth Press, [c1987-

Religion* ; Residential Facilities*/statistics & numerical data; Anthropology, Cultural ; British Columbia ; Emotions ; Humans ; Motivation ; Pastoral Care/statistics & numerical data ; Psychology

Although the value of spiritual care in the care of older adults is supported by research, few studies have focused specifically on prayer in residential care settings. This ethnographic study with fifteen chaplains and administrators in eleven residential care homes involved analyses of walking interviews and research diaries. Findings revealed the spaces in which prayer happens and the forms it takes. The identities of chaplains-their own spiritual practices, religious beliefs, and positioning within the facility-shaped their dis/comfort with prayer and how they located prayer within public and private spaces. Where organizational leadership endorsed the legitimacy of chaplaincy services, prayer was more likely to be offered. Even in these circumstances, however, religious diversity and questions about secularism left chaplains ambivalent about the appropriateness of prayer. The results demonstrate the relevance of religion and spirituality to residential care, and illustrate how prayer functions as an opportunity for connection and understanding.

Keywords: older adults; prayer; residential care homes; spiritual care

Date Created: 20171110 Date Completed: 20191001 Latest Revision: 20191001

20231215

10.1080/08854726.2017.1386269

29120283