According to a 2025 NPR article, doctors are asking more questions about spiritual wellbeing when evaluating overall health. To round out the concept of holistic care, the spiritual piece of the puzzle is now starting to be seen as a priority as providers and even a senior living community are finding ways to recognize the tremendous impact that spiritual and mental wellness has on a patient/resident’s overall health.
A recent study conducted by McKinsey Health Institute found that “spiritual health is not a ‘nice to have’ but a core dimension — along with physical, mental and social health. But spiritual health is hard to define” because it means something different for everyone. It could be tied to an organized religion, a moral compass, meditation practices or just an overall outlook on the world.
At the root of spiritual health is the desire for purpose, meaning and connection-qualities a senior living community is eager and ready to address through innovative programming, trained caregivers and quality campuses. A senior living community helps residents at a time in their life of great change. They may be struggling with the loss of a spouse, working through the logistics of downsizing or selling a home, or navigating their own health diagnosis. Relationships and friendships may also be looking different as friends get sick or pass away. They may also feel a shift in dynamics with family members who have turned into caregivers. When the realities of aging become apparent, questions may arise around legacy, forgiveness, morality and mortality.
“Spiritual care is not just about answering all our residents’ questions or even following the formalities of a specific religious tradition or prayer,” explained Howard West, Executive Director of Spiritual Life Services at Country Meadows Retirement Community and Ecumenical Retirement Community (a not-for-profit sister community to Country Meadows). “Spiritual care is really about creating space for people to feel comfortable asking difficult questions, exploring challenging aspects of their life and helping then reflect on what can bring them peace at a time when their world may feel smaller to them.”
Beliefs are Personal and Respected in a Senior Living Community
People often describe themselves using terms about their belief system. Whether identifying as Irish-Catholic, Greek Orthodox, Jewish, Hindu or spiritual-but-not-religious for example, faith and culture intertwine and become rooted in one’s identity. Many find comfort in the tradition and hope in the promises their faith and practices have taught them. Having a judgment-free environment to continue learning and honoring their belief systems is important in a senior living community where everyone’s beliefs are valued and celebrated.
A Safe Place to Worship
At each of our campuses, there are dedicated spaces, services, groups and activities focused on spiritual enrichment. Through services led by the campus chaplain, visits from pastors, priests or religious leaders, planned holiday celebrations and meals, and much more, the senior living community ensures there is space and support to properly celebrate. Even meditation and activities of reflection are offered in our Dynamic Living and fitness programs to nurture one’s spirit through mind-body connections and serenity.
Additionally, through the Life Story shared with the campus team during the move in process, family members can make the campus aware of dietary accommodations, religious practices and other sacred traditions that are important to the resident. Our co-workers use this information to get to know residents and also encourage them to continue the practices or activities.
Feeling Connected and Finding Purpose
The McKinsey Health Institute’s report found that “meaning in one’s life is associated with strong mental, physical and social health.” When those things are not as prominent or going well in residents’ lives, their personality and levels of engagement are negatively impacted and they may start to feel isolated.
Attending worship services, joining a bible study or another type of spiritual life small group, participating in a community service project or just having a heartfelt conversation with a neighbor are some of the many ways we our residents achieve a sense of spiritual well-being in a senior living community. Not only are residents growing spiritually, they are benefiting mentally and physically by combatting the loneliness brought on by isolation. Having the structure of weekly worship services, regularly scheduled spiritual life small groups as well as visits from the campus chaplain or other guest clergy all contribute to residents’ sense of belonging to a spiritual community which gives them hope.
Celebrating and Supporting the Spiritual Aspects of Life
A 2011 study found that 41% of patients desired a discussion of religious and/or spiritual concerns while hospitalized. Sickness and end-of-life often prompt spiritual reflection.
“In our communities, we see the continuum of senior care—from our Independent Living neighbors who are actively participating in services and programs to individuals living with dementia in our Connections Memory Support Services Neighborhood, or others who, along with their families, are navigating end of life realities and decisions,” continued Howard. “Everyone, no matter race, orientation, or beliefs, are striving for peace and our chaplains provide support to find that peace by incorporating their faith into their daily life.”
Spiritual Journeys are Supported at Country Meadows
At Country Meadows Retirement Communities, the Spiritual Life team understands that individualized spiritual supports are vital to a care plan and quality of life. The department — made up of chaplains at each of the campuses — focus on providing pastoral care and spiritual guidance, offering opportunities for various religious traditions, organizing social and spiritual life groups and incorporating spirituality into activities and programming.
“Our chaplains really get to know and love our residents and their families as we walk with them through their journey,” described Howard. “It is an honor to welcome residents’ family members to services, pray with them about big decisions that need made for their loved one, or be present for celebrations of life. When family members are also holistically supported, they can confidently feel like all aspects of care for their loved one — including the spiritual — are supported and encouraged.”
To meet a campus chaplain in our senior living community and learn more, please schedule a personalized visit with one of our advisors. We look forward to meeting you and learning more about you!
SPIRITUAL LIFE VISION STATEMENT: Country Meadows promotes spiritual well-being among all of our residents through the affirmation of life in relationship with God and people in their daily lives. Country Meadows takes a broad and inclusive approach to spiritual care that emphasizes each individual’s “spirituality” and meeting residents’ common spiritual needs while also honoring their varied religious traditions.
