Spirituality in caregiving and care receiving

Spirituality is a part of holistic care for clients and families. This qualitative, descriptive study examined spirituality in 60 caregivers and 60 care receivers, equally divided between Caucasians and African Americans. Themes were coping (subthemes of formal religion and social support) and meaning (subthemes of positive attitude, retribution or reward, and all encompassing). Needs of caregivers and care receivers include opportunities for formal religion (communion, prayer), social support (visiting, respite), and interactions to assist them find meaning in their caregiving and care receiving. Implications for nurses include collaborating with clergy to support the spiritual needs of caregivers and care receivers.