Connections In Healthcare

Millions of people find joy and community in weekly attendance at a religious worship service. One of the drawbacks of America’s car-centric infrastructure is that transportation becomes a barrier when a person cannot drive themselves or afford a car. It contributes to increased isolation and loneliness, especially if they can no longer attend religious services. Sadly, that is the plight of many seniors and handicapped individuals. This is a problem healthcare professionals and caregivers can help solve. With just a bit of effort they may be able to help locate transportation. Finding a place of worship that offers their own transport services is ideal because they will ensure on-time arrival on the most relevant days. Many places of worship offer transportation services on significant worship days. Thankfully, many places of worship offer transportation services on significant worship days. Check with the person’s preferred place of worship to see if they offer van rides to ...

The Survey of Spiritual Needs is a seven-question survey to assess for spiritual distress, depression and patient needs and wishes related to these issues. This survey can be completed in two to five minutes. It is intended for adult and older teen populations with abstract reasoning skills. Screening for spiritual needs can be conducted by any healthcare personnel including patient care technicians and certified nursing assistants. The SOSN is a brief survey that will enable any healthcare professional to assess for spiritual distress and disruptions in spiritual engagement thoroughly yet quickly. It will also enable the examiner to identify solutions to help their patient re-engage with this occupation and begin to resolve present distress. It will enable the examiner to connect the patient with other appropriate resources and determine if further screening is necessary. No prior training is required. Some users of the original SOSN have requested a shortened version. This alternate ...