Baycrest

Baycrest - End of Life Volunteer Manual 30 • Peak experiences: a beautiful sunset, a new insight or feeling a sense of awe and wonder • Feeling valued by others • Developing one's self or soul: some people may have neglected this longing for a greater sense of wholeness because of fear, lack of understanding or a busy lifestyle but this desire may surface in a profound way as a person faces a life threatening illness THE VOLUNTEER'S ROLE IN SPIRITUAL CARE RECOGNIZING A SPIRITUAL NEED It can be difficult to recognize when someone has a spiritual need. Some people may have clear spiritual goals that they pursue through prayer, reading or being close to nature. Others may wrestle with their faith when they find they are dying. People may ask questions about the future, such as how will I die, when will I die or what comes after death. It is possible that family members are reluctant to talk with them about death so they turn to the volunteer. It's important for volunteers to listen carefully to what the person is really asking. The questions may mean the person is frightened and seeking reassurance or just wanting someone to be present with them in their reality. Spirituality is about building mutual human relationships, and creating reflective spaces, rather than making assessments and delivering interventions. The volunteer should: • Accept the individual unconditionally • Allow the person to lead the conversation and define their need for spiritual care • Practice being able to sit with questions, not having the answers. Understand that, as part of their spiritual journey, people may pose questions with few answers. • Recognize that spirituality includes all the person's life experiences

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