Experiences of Older Adults Receiving the Faith Community Nursing Model of Care in Australia

Background: The Faith Community Nursing (FCN) model of care is nurse-led spiritual or faith-integrated holistic care that has been provided in faith communities worldwide. Studies exploring individuals' experiences within such models of care are limited. Purpose: To understand the experiences of older adults with chronic conditions who received care within an FCN model of care in Australia, led by registered nurses and supported by volunteers. Design: An exploratory qualitative approach. Methods: Face-to-face semistructured interviews were conducted with ten older adults with chronic conditions, recruited using purposive sampling. Interviews were digitally recorded and transcribed verbatim for the thematic data analysis process. Findings: Four main themes emerged: coping and faith integration, accepting care to meet daily living needs, social connections and respite care, and professional support and services. Older adults with chronic conditions in this study described how the FCN model of care met their needs and positively impacted their physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being. Conclusion: Positive experiences within the FCN model of care highlight the potential value and impact of such models of care on individuals and families in the faith community. Further studies exploring the effectiveness, broader application, and sustainability of the FCN model of care are warranted (198/200).