Abstract
Statement of the Problem
The role of spirituality as a coping method in the death and dying process among the elderly is one that is not often adequately addressed in field practice or social work education. Spirituality is an area that may be important for many people who are near the end of life. The purpose of this study was to identify how spirituality and religion was used as a coping method in death and the dying process for a sample of hospice patients, and for their family members in coping with bereavement.
Sources of Data
This exploratory, qualitative secondary analysis evaluates the relationship between end of life issues and spirituality in the elderly. A total of ten case files were examined from a hospice agency in Placer County. Data extracted from the files identifies both the role of spirituality in the patient as well as the loved one during bereavement.
Conclusions Reached
There is significant evidence to show that spirituality is important in death and the dying process with hospice patients (60 percent) at the end of life. Some patients (60 percent) had previously defined their religious or spiritual belief prior to the end of life, but for others finding religion or spirituality at the end of life helped them cope with personal conflicts, and be at peace at the time of death (20 percent). Eighty percent of the case files reported that religion or spirituality were important at the end of life. Although, only twenty percent of the case files reported that forgiveness was important in the end of life, those results were significant due to the conflicted relationships and life stressors being resolved prior to death. There was not enough evidence to back up the suggestion that religion and spirituality can help significantly as a coping method for bereavement. This study showed that only thirty percent of the case files reported the use of religion or spirituality during bereavement.