Exploring Hope in Spiritual Care

Hope is a central topic in spiritual care. This short book explores what hope can mean forpatients who are at the end of life, beyond hoping that a treatment will be effective. Itsuggests ways in which creative spiritual care can enable patients and those who care forthem to develop different kinds of hope and move past despair.The author identifies four dimensions of hope and suggests ways in they can be nurturedand cultivated through theological reflection, connectivity, meditation and the arts. Thesedimensions of hope provide a framework for thorough spiritual assessment and for thedevelopment of a plan of care. In turn, being prepared for death removes feelings ofhopelessness and despair. This book will inspire new ways to feed the human spirit whena cure is no longer an option.