Spiritual Growth and Care in the Fourth Age of Life

Preface. 1. The spiritual dimension of ageing and people in need of care. 2. The studies of frail older people and staff in aged care. 3. Assessment of spirituality and spiritual needs: A developmental approach. 4. Meaning of Life and frailty in the later years. 5. Wisdom, final meaning, the spiritual journey and frail older people. 6. Spiritual reminiscence: provisional and final meanings in frail older people. 7. The spiritual journey and mental health amongst older adults in need of care. 8. Meeting the challenge: older people with memory loss and dementia. 9. Worship and use of ritual among older people: different cultures, different religions; working in multi-faith and multicultural societies. 10. Vulnerability and transcendence, living in a disintegrating body and failure to thrive. 11. Vulnerability, transcendence and living with physical health problems. 12. Relationship and intimacy needs among nursing home residents. 13. Grief, death, dying and spirituality in an aged care facility. 14. Ethical issues in the fourth age of life. 15. The model of spiritual growth and care in the fourth age of life. 16. References. Appendix 1: Assessment of the Spiritual Needs of Older Adults - 1st Level. Appendix 2: Assessment of the Spiritual Needs of Older Adults - 2nd Level. Appendix 3: Group topics for spiritual reminiscence. References. Index.

This comprehensive book, successfully delivers the primary aim of helping people tp develop a deeper understanding of spirituality in relation to frailty and dependency in the fourth age... It explores the spiritual dimension in late life and sensitivity presents the struggles facing older people in need of care, tackling important ethical issues such as the use of staff resources to meet relationship and intimacy needs in care homes... Therapists, particularly those who are unsure how to address this topic within their practice, or interested in developing a greater understanding in this area of gerontology will find it a thought provoking, searching, but thoroughly readable book. It is a very useful book for any reference library for occupational therapists involved with end of life care in the fourth age and for those working in care homes.