Spiritual care provision in residential aged care facilities: perspectives of nepalese residents, nurses, and caregivers

Abstract

Spiritual care remains a neglected dimension in the context of living in residential aged care facilities. Using a grounded theory methodology, in-depth interviews were conducted with 17 Nepalese aged care residents, 3 nurses, and 4 caregivers to explore the residents’ spiritual needs and how nurses/caregivers perceive and respond to these. The analysis revealed that the process of providing spiritual care and meeting spiritual care needs are complex, which includes preparing internally, interacting with residents, integrating care, and involving in residents’ spiritual practices. To facilitate appropriate and the required spiritual care, effort to increase nurses and caregivers’ readiness and ensure managerial support are crucial.