The Reformed Presbyterian Woman’s Association celebrates 125 years of service to older adults, and we continue to strive to help each person we serve achieve his or her maximum level of spiritual well-being. Spiritual distress can occur as people age for various reasons, such as change in relationships, loss of independence, fear of dying, or inability to find meaning in life. Spiritual distress is seen as a state of suffering and can be observed in ways such as refusal of care, becoming withdrawn, or questioning why something is happening.

Unfortunately, many healthcare workers are not trained in providing spiritual support. Thus, the RP Home felt it was important to have a director of spiritual care and church outreach to assist in a person’s spiritual journey, especially at the end of life. The RP Home sought out funding to support the hiring of a part-time director of spiritual support and was blessed to receive funding from the McElhattan Foundation. Shane Helton stepped into this newly developed position last fall.

Why did you have interest in the director of spiritual support position?

Shane: I was initially introduced to the RP Home while taking Introduction to Chaplaincy at the Reformed Presbyterian Theological Seminary (RPTS). As part of the course, the class came to the Home one afternoon to conduct some visits with the residents. I had such a wonderful time that day that I asked one of our classmates (who had some strong ties to the Home) how I could potentially get more involved with the mission and ministry of the RP Home. Much to my delight, I learned they were searching for someone to fill the role of director of spiritual care. In God’s good providence, He saw fit to send me to fill that need! And, sincerely, I couldn’t be more grateful for the opportunity to serve these wonderful people in this wonderful place.

What has most surprised you in your time in this position?

Shane: How much fun I’m having here. I was worried that on top of a full-time course load at RPTS and military reserve duties, a position at the Home might possibly feel like too much to handle at times. I am glad to report that this has hardly been the case. Spending time with the residents, hosting the weekly prayer meetings and Bible studies, working alongside the staff, and getting to know the families of our dear residents has truly been a blast. I not only feel like I’m engaging in valuable work at the Home, but I genuinely feel joy every time I come through the doors. It’s a special place, and I’m happy to be a part of it.

Building the Foundation

Within days of joining the RP Home, Shane coordinated with the activities department to increase the formal programs offered to the residents, such as prayer group and Bible study. We continue to have two worship services on Sundays as supported by the local RP churches.

You can see just by walking around that Shane and the residents are developing meaningful relationships. Shane is often engaged with the residents in small groups throughout the day. In addition, he meets with residents individually to listen, teach, or counsel according to the need. Shane shared he is most gratified by “sharing the love of Jesus, in word and in deed, with the residents, staff, families, and my friends at the RP Home. This work is immensely rewarding, and I thank God for sending me to this incredible place and people.”

“Where there is no guidance, a person falls, but in abundance of counselors there is safety” (Prov. 11:14). With the right guidance, a young resident who appeared to be in spiritual distress became more independent, more engaged, and at peace. The spiritual support that Shane provided to this resident has improved her overall quality of life and mental health.

Spiritual Screening

To understand each resident’s spiritual needs, a spiritual screening tool was implemented to assist in developing a spiritual care program to enrich each resident’s life. Shane says, “I think the spiritual screening has been a great tool for not only learning about the religious and spiritual needs of the residents at the Home, but also helping me to get to know them as a whole person. The questions on the screening tool often lead to valuable conversations about upbringing, family history, and a host of other topics. To date, residents have been interested in participating in the spiritual screenings.”

It is important to continually assess each resident’s spiritual needs as they are dynamic. Barbara, a resident who has lived at the RP Home for several years, recently learned she has a terminal illness. Understandably, this information will alter the support she will need from Shane and her support network. Our goal is to provide each resident with a holistic approach to limit spiritual distress and to implement a comfortable end-of-life plan while recognizing his/her convictions and wishes. In addition, it is important that we provide support to the family during the end-of-life process and when the resident passes. The spiritual director, social services, and hospice provider (if elected) are key partners in supporting the resident, family, and staff.

Goals for the Future

Of course, we are just building the foundation for a robust spiritual program. Shane shares goals for the spiritual program as it continues to grow: “I believe the next ‘big’ thing I would like to see is a Bible study and/or prayer fellowship started up in the Upper Rooms and Vista (Independent Living) building. We’re also looking to begin holding regular memorial services for the recently deceased residents of our beloved Home. In fact, the first one on Mar. 13 in the chapel was for a dedicated volunteer and resident.”

In addition to the director of spiritual support, social services, nursing, and life enrichment staff, community members can enhance the spiritual growth of our residents. “This winter, RPTS began sending students to serve and minister at the RP Home by engaging in the Mercy Ministry practicum. This has been an exciting opportunity for students of the seminary to experience some of the facets of healthcare chaplaincy and caring for the spiritual needs of the aging members of our communities. I would like to see the participation in this program increase, and I would also like to see greater volunteer involvement from local churches in the area at the RP Home.”

Final Comments

Shane shared a few things that he feels others should know about the RP Home: “At the risk of oversimplifying my answer, I just want more people in our churches and in our city to know about it. I think the Home is doing a great job at marketing itself (especially in this digital age), and I believe that, with time, the footprint of this organization will only continue to grow. And, Lord willing, it is my prayer that with that growth in awareness the Lord would continue to send loving la-borers to our Home.”