Award in Spiritual Dimension in Elderly Care for General Care Givers
The Pastoral Formation Institute is licensed by MFHEA (Licence #: 2013-FHI-023) as a Further and Higher Educational Institute. The Award in Spiritual Dimension in Elderly Care for Healthcare Workers is accredited at EQF/MQF Level 4, as Further Education Programme.
Recognising that spirituality plays a vital role in the overall well-being of older adults, this programme integrates spiritual care within the broader context of holistic caregiving. Designed for healthcare support workers and personal caregivers, it equips participants with the knowledge, skills, and resources needed to address the spiritual needs of those they care for.
People working with the elderly e.g. carers and general staff
This course consists of 11 sessions: 10 lectures and an examination session.
Session 1: Defining Spirituality and Spiritual Care in Healthcare – Competencies in Spiritual Care
Spirituality and spiritual care in healthcare encompass how patients and healthcare professionals seek and express meaning, purpose, connection, value, or transcendence within the context of illness and health. An increasing body of evidence demonstrates that spirituality is associated with improved health outcomes, patient satisfaction, medical decision-making, and quality of life. This session will introduce various definitions of spirituality and spiritual care, along with the multidimensional spiritual field.
Session 2: Interpersonal and Intrapersonal Spirituality
Intrapersonal Spirituality addresses personal spirituality, emphasizing that healthcare workers must nurture their own spirituality to provide effective spiritual care. Students will explore the significance of self-reflection and self-awareness in personal and professional growth. Interpersonal Spirituality focuses on building relationships through effective communication skills, recognizing individuals’ unique spiritual and cultural worldviews, fostering companionship, and delivering compassionate care.
Session 3: Spiritual Assessment and Evaluation of Care
This session introduces learners to formal and informal approaches for assessing patients’ spiritual needs, planning interventions based on available resources, and evaluating whether patients’ needs have been met.
Session 4: Loss, Grief, and Compassion in the Elderly
Learners will explore the inevitable experience of grief and loss, as well as feelings of isolation in the elderly. Understanding the grief process, as described by Elisabeth Kübler-Ross, will enable healthcare workers to prevent spiritual distress and provide compassionate care to the elderly.
Session 5: Spiritual Care in Elderly Rehabilitation
This session focuses on addressing the spiritual needs of elderly individuals undergoing rehabilitation. It explores strategies for promoting creativity and addressing feelings of suffering and solitude.
Session 6: Spiritual Care and Mental Health
Learners will gain insights into various mental health issues affecting the elderly and acquire skills to manage and provide care for elderly individuals experiencing mental health challenges.
Session 7: Spiritual Care in Dementia
This session provides information on dementia in the elderly and equips learners with skills to manage care in this context, as well as supporting families to better understand and cope with the situation.
Session 8: The Role of Religion in Spiritual Care for the Elderly
This session highlights the integral role of religiosity in spiritual care.
Session 9: The Sacraments in Different Religions and Spirituality
Learners will explore religious practices across various denominations present in our society.
Session 10: Case Scenarios in the Spiritual Dimension of Elderly Care
This session presents case scenarios to assess and evaluate learners’ knowledge, skills, and attitudes acquired during the program, preparing them for application in elderly care settings.
Accreditation Category: Further Education Programme
Total ECTS: 4 ECTS
Award Institution: Pastoral Formation Institute
The Pastoral Formation Institute is licensed by MFHEA (Licence #: 2013-FHI-023) as a Further and Higher Educational Institute. The Award in Spiritual Dimension in Elderly Care for Healthcare Workers is accredited at EQF/MQF Level 4, as Further Education Programme.
Qualifications: Applicants must possess a minimum of an MQF/EQF Level 3 or higher qualification. Kindly submit a copy of your highest qualification in the application form below.
Language: Applicants must have a basic understanding of Maltese and be proficient in English.
Digital: Applicants must be proficient in accessing and using the internet and office software suites.
For courses offered in face-to-face learning and blended learning, applicants must reside in the Maltese Islands and provide their Maltese address in their application form.
