Providing Support and Spiritual Care to People with Chronic Diseases

Abstract

Chronic disease is an extremely difficult situation for those who experience it during their lives. It changes their entire world, influencing their feelings, behaviour, tasks, and roles. For many people it can be defined as a difficult or even limit situation, i.e. one that affects the whole person emotionally, socially, physically, and spiritually. Contemporary literature, particularly English-speaking scientific communities, has increasingly emphasised the importance of taking care not only of somatic ailments but also of spiritual existential questions about the meaning of life, suffering, and dying. Since it is of such importance, it is also necessary to ask how spiritual care can be provided to people with long-term diseases.