Wellness spirituality in the older adult. Assessment and intervention protocol

Supporting the spiritual dimension of life is essential to high-level wellness and wholeness. It helps one respond to the potential fullness of life despite problems that arise from illness and longevity. However, health care providers frequently fail to inquire about spiritual well-being and thus fail to nurture the spirit. This oversight has especially strong consequences when health care providers treat older adults. This article defines wellness spirituality. It discusses clinical presentation of the conditions in life and illness that indicate that an aging client's spiritual well-being is being challenged. Wellness spirituality activities to consider with history taking, both within and outside the context of religion, are outlined. Management approaches are offered to support and restore aging client's ability to achieve spiritual well-being. The article also describes virtues clinicians must hold to create a spiritually nurturing environment in all settings. A protocol is offered as a clinical guideline for clinicians to use in their assessment and management of the wellness spirituality of older adults.