Chaplains Forming a Meaningful Relationship with Older People With Dementia – Insights to Pastoral Care in Nursing Home Settings

Abstract

This article investigates the formation of meaningful pastoral care relationships by chaplains with older people with dementia in nursing homes. The study responds to the recently highlighted need for theological exploration of wellbeing by providing a theological analysis of how a meaningful pastoral care relationship is formed from chaplains’ perspectives. The study employs thematic analysis of ten interviews to uncover core themes. These include the embodied aspects of pastoral care, which highlight the non-verbal dimensions of pastoral care; emotional support, emphasizing the chaplains’ role in providing comfort and empathy; interpersonal relations, detailing the dynamics between chaplains, older people with severe dementia, and the care environment; and supporting the personal relationship with God, underscoring the individual’s religious and spiritual connections. This research contributes to understanding how theological considerations inform pastoral care practices, offering insights into the nuanced religious and spiritual needs of older adults with dementia within a nursing home setting.