CPE in a geriatric facility: an excellent setting for the basic unit

Argues that a geriatric facility offers critical and central experiences in the learning of pastoral care and in the formation of pastoral identities, thus providing an excellent setting for a basic Clinical Pastoral Education unit. Supports this perspective in terms of the character of the context and the impact of that character on CPE students, particularly regarding initiative required, the many opportunities offered for reflection, and the challenge of dealing with discouragement and despair.