This essay has been submitted by a student. This is not an example of the work written by professional essay writers.
Uncategorized

“Compassionate Care

Pssst… we can write an original essay just for you.

Any subject. Any type of essay. We’ll even meet a 3-hour deadline.

GET YOUR PRICE

writers online

John W. Walton is the author of the book “Compassionate

Care: An Inspirational Guide for Caregivers of the Seriously Ill”. The preface

describes the struggles Walton experienced attending patients that are

physically and spiritually ill. His experiences and love for the flawed

emotional and physical influenced him to pursue chaplaincy. In reassurance

through his graduate studies, experiences, and medical facilities visitations,

and the writings of Saint Francis de Sales, he has written the book to help

others who experience fear and anxiety in caring for the patients that are

seriously sick or dying. The material aims to prepare people to help the

spiritually needy, and strengthen their faith. The experiences of the various

chapters show that death is not a tragic event as perceived by many

individuals. Therefore, the introduction persuades the audience to take the

task of caring for the physical and spiritual needs as their purpose on earth and

they would soon realize it is satisfying as any other job.

Chapter 1 Why did I Write this Book?

The author expresses why he was motivated to write the

book. The book is a source of information that will help people attend the

physical and spiritual needs of the seriously ill. Walton states that he “had a

hard time finding useful information from chaplains that had been ‘in the

trenches” (Walton 20). He had visited many doctors and families of people

suffering from serious illness and death and realized the need for comfort.

Like most people, Walton was afraid of the hospital because he had invalid

pictures of disgust diseases and death. He was inspired by the Holy Bible to do

good to others because of service to others s service to God (Walton 21). Walton

developed the desire to care for seriously ill patients after his sister’s

experience with cancer. She cared for her as well as other patients suffering

from life-threatening illnesses. He came to realize that they were unreasonable

pressures that keep individuals from realizing the physical and spiritual

deprivation of the people suffering from serious illnesses (Walton 23).

Chapter 2 Examine Your Motives

The chapter defines different spiritual care providers

and affirms that every individual can provide care comfortably. Spiritual in a

hospice setting refers to the section of the invisible human, often called mind

or soul. The spiritual part control individuals’ thinking, motivations, moods,

desires, opinions, and memory. Human beings have different motives that

influence the way they do things (p. 28). For instance, a person may be

motivated by self-value to study the needs of patients to perform the job

effectively. On another hand, the motive of compassionate care provides is to

improve the wellbeing of the patients. Whatever the motive, whether right or

wrong, spiritual care providers (SCPs) learn, grow, make friends, and become

part of a team that improves specific skills that are necessary for the field.

Beginners of SCP need to understand that training does not equip them better

than goodliness to work in the lives of the needy. Beginners should also learn

and understand the roles of caregivers and the rights of patients (P. 35).

Walton warns that SCPs should not try to change the way the facilities run

their activities no matter their level of experience. Moreover, at the end of

the chapter, he offers advice on the expectations of individuals willing to

join the SCP team. For instance listen attentively to the patients, family, and

friends’ concerns while observation the HIPPA rights. Inform the doctors and

nurses about the concerns of the patients to improve their mode of treatment.

Chapter 3 Emotions, Suffering, and Sympathy

Chapter deliberates patient emotions that are often

encountered and strategies that SCPs use to help patients manage them. Emotions

that develop from the on-set on illness are more disastrous than the disease.

Walton demonstrates how SCP helps patients manage their illnesses with a case

study of Elsie. She was diagnosed with diabetes and cried for two days and

accepted her condition after witnessing many individuals with the same

condition, but they lived normally and engaged in activities such as athletics

(p. 56). According to Walton, fear is one of the most debilitating emotions in

hospitals (p. 59). It is often overstated and irrational because it limits the

ability to reason logically. To relieve fear the SCPS should pray for the

patients’ conditions, and use encouraging words from the Bible. Some of the

scriptures Walton used included Psalms 91, 2nd Corinthians 12:9, Psalms 23,

Hebrews 13:6, and Luke 8:50 (p. 62). The Holy verses from the Bible provide

greater comfort than any psychology and philosophy advice.

There are various hard questions SCPs are asked for

example “Why does God allow sickness or death?”, and “What did I do to deserve

this?” To a believer, Walton uses the scriptures, such as Luke 13:4 to answer

the questions. However, he lacks the right answers that satisfied the ailing

client. When dealing with people who are suffering, SCPS also suffers from them

because they have no power to control their condition. The best approach is to

listen sympathetically, say kind-hearted words, and offer compassionate

prayers.

Chapter 4: How am I doing anyhow?

The SCPs should keep charts and notes for references when

discussing the condition of the patient. Narrative notes explain everything

that occurred with the patient during the visitation. Notes are simple to

follow and the caregiver can provide a short presentation of the patient’s

progress in a meeting (p. 73). Charting and noting help the SCPs learn and

remember to notice the expression of the patient and body language.

Journaling is also a crucial method of keeping

information about the beliefs, opinions, and progress of the patient. It proves

to the supervisors that the SCPs are not only caring but also alert (p. 73).

Journals also help SCPs remember the last discussions when rehabilitating long-term

patients.

Chapter 5 Grief

The chapter deliberates the instant occurrence of grief

and ways through which SCPs may help the victims. According to Benjamin

Disraeli, the best way to heal from grief is to take action. An individual’s

attitude and esteem pray a significant role in the process of healing from

grief because the primary role depends on the actions of the victim (P. 76).

Dealing with feelings of the grieving person is the most difficult task as they

demonstrate anger, avoidance, denial, fear, and depression. The SCPs should

help the grieving people to accept the reactions and feelings of grief, such as

shock, anger, panic, fear, and denial. The SCP should also ensure that the

victim attends a burial that follows their religious traditions to help them

accept the reality of death. Listen to the victim attentively and respond to

the hard questions they ask for their loss.

Chapter 6 The Physical Caregiver’s Role

The chapter shows the significant role of physical

caregivers on the journey of long-term illness from the diagnosis to death. The

chapter offers detailed information on the challenges encountered by physical

caregivers. It also helps both the physical caregiver and SCP to understand the

needs and preferences of the patient (P. 95). Dying patients experience a hard

time and may take longer before accepting that they would die soon. Walton

explains the case of his grandmother and the awkward moment they share before

she accepts that she would die in a few days. Any dying person exercises full

control of all activities around and makes small matters appear huge and

significant. They behave in this manner because they are resistant to give up

control, which they have had for all their life (p. 98). Some of the statements

that show dying people want to retain control include “I am not dead yet. Do

not treat me as I have no value” (p. 98). The challenges the SCP include

rebellious patients who refuse to accept that they would die and hold on to

unreasonable hope.

Chapter 7 Who are the Victims of Life?

In most cases, patients focus on their suffering and

forget that of friends and families. The family members may be experiencing

more difficulties than the patients because they have to attend their daily

duties and attend the patient in the hospital. Moreover, they have to cater to

hospital expenses that are at times expensive, for instance, cancer treatment.

Although the role of the patients is to get well, their wellbeing improves

faster when they know that someone is taking care of other essential activities

at home. At this point, the SCP should encourage the family that god is

accessible through prayer and ready to comfort them (p. 107). The SCPs should

help the family to overcome the blame game by telling them similar experiences

or using Biblical scriptures, such as John chapter nine and Luke chapter 13.

The SCP should not forget that his role is to provide spiritual care to the

distressed family. Therefore, they should handy and comforting when answering

the “why” questions (p. 111).

Chapter 8 Regarding Life-Changing Illness or Injury

Dealing with life-threatening disease or injury requires

the personnel involved to have the psychological understanding to succeed in

healing the seriously ill patients. The chapter describes the emotions, realities,

hope, chaplain visits, and patient’s struggle with serious illness. The author

included parables, poetry, illustrations, and metaphors among others that

influence the caretaker’s (spiritual and physical) behaviors. These principles

are significant to those who want to be a spiritual caregiver because they will

learn how to apply them effectively (p. 113).

He uses the experiences of Michael A. Guido to explain

how human spirits overcome life obstacles with god’s power. Guido advises when

people face problems, whether big or small, they should call upon God, and “he

will make everything work together for good” (p. 115).

Chapter 9 What is Left when the Hope of a Cure is Gone?

Patients feel that there is nothing left after they are

diagnosed with a life-threatening illness. However, Walton demonstrates that a

lot of there is still hope and opportunities because God and His promises do

not change with change in the victim’s health. Atheists or the agnostic refuse

to accept the existence of hope, and the SCPs should help them realize and take

the views. The author uses metaphors, parables, and illustrative stories to

give inspiration and equip the people who want to work as SCP in hospitals.

Love and care are the most essential values of an SCP

because the patients need to feel that someone understands their pain. Every

individual is afraid of death, but relief is achieved when a dying person is

assured of heaven where there will be no pain or suffering. Although the SCPs

comfort the dying patient, their success depends on the faith of the victim.

Chapter 10 Caring for you, the SCP

One of the major principles of chaplaincy is self-care

because individuals cannot share what they do not have. A spiritual care

provider must retain some resources to help dying patients or those suffering

from lifetime illnesses. Ephesians 2:10 says “for we are god’s workmanship,

created in Jesus Christ to do good works” (p. 159). However, SCP should not be

careless when doing good work as this may lead to a breakdown. There is a need

to take regular breaks to relax and recuperate after dealing with complex

cases. In chapter 10, Walton exposes the reader to the harmful emotions,

hazardous fatigue, and burn out SCPs may experience when they fail to take care

of their schedules. Human beings become tired and exhausted due to the

increased demand for spiritual care in hospitals, and nursing homes. In genesis

2:2 God also worked for six days and rested on the seventh day and was

refreshed (p. 161).

Walton states that burnout is associated with physical

and psychological destructive effects. He witnessed that burnout manifests

similarly in pastors, doctors, nurses, business associates, and chaplains.

However, human beings do not want to demonstrate signs of weakness to retain

their positions. Most physical and spiritual caregivers experience burnout, but

avoidance or denial worsens the problem (p. 163). SCP should seek help from

other experienced people in the counseling field to overcome burnout and

anxiety. SCP should get enough sleep and work smarter by concentrating on the

strategies that will comfort the dying person to save time.

Chapter 11 Self-evaluation

Spiritual care providers are volunteers hence, little or

no preformation evaluation is conducted on their work. The chapter discusses

ways in which SCPs may conduct self-evaluation. Walton provides five questions

on self-evaluation that help the SCPs find issues that may be affecting their

performance (p. 169). The first question is “what am I doing, and how do I feel

about it?” “should I be doing something differently?”, then, “do I keep call

records?”, “I am growing in my skill, faith, knowledge, preparation, and

confidence?” Do I utilize available resources to the maximum? (P. 169).

Chapter 12 Understanding Death

The main role of the SCPs operates under a program known

as “No One Dies Alone” because they help dying patients on their journey to

heaven. The program is also called “Eleventh Hour”. The chaplain may be called

to help a dying patient when family members are absent or they may request for

last prayers or comfort. The most comforting statement is to assure the family

the patient will go in heaven where there will be no pain or suffering. The SCP

should also remind them the dying person will resurrect as Christ did, and they

will meet in heaven. According to Walton, death is not always an enemy when the

dying person and family accept it. Death is pronounced by a physician after

assessing the heart and the brain. During the last stages of dying the

patients, skin becomes sensitive, and breathing becomes irregular. Most express

unbelief that they have attained god’s salvation that will help attains eternal

life. The SCP should assure them that salvation is a gift attained by the

belief and confession that Jesus Christ died for their sins.

Chapter 13 Know your Counselee’s Belief System

The chapter caution the reader about the mistake of

assuming that all patients all religious. The chaplain should not walk in a

room with a pre-determined sermon because this may to conflicts. The SCP should

assess the beliefs of the patients before preaching or quoting biblical

scriptures. Although human begins are entitled to their rights, they should be

in line with the word of god because Christ has authority that should be obeyed

by all. Scientific evidence about creation, such as Charles Darwin’s rule of

survival for the fittest may be used to explain the story, but the fossils

found in Central and East Africa have been proven to the flood recorded in the

Bible. Lastly, the chapter addresses thirteen questions that are often asked by

seriously ill patients.

Chapter 14 The visits, from simple to complex calls

The KISS (Keep it Simple Stupid) method is effective when

helping spiritually needy patients. SCP should keep their conversation simple

to avoid exaggeration of unnecessary issues. Calls to respond to spiritual

needs are the first simple and become complex with time. Spiritual needs arise

regularly in the care of dying patients, but medical personnel fails to

recognize them. Moreover, they do not understand how to respond to spiritual

issues (p. 206).

Walton suggests several strategies that help SCPs make

successful calls. First, minimize expectations by responding to simple and easy

calls. The SCPs should relax and respond to friendly calls that may not require

their advice or prayer. However, it is important to pray for guidance before

starting every call and the results will be surprising (p. 208). When visiting

the patient from the hospital, the SCP should not take longer than expected to

avoid patient exhaustion. The SCP should also refrain from touching anything in

the patients’ rooms, such as wires, machines, and tubes. Maintain hygiene and

sanitation to prevent the spread of illness that may complicate the patient’s

condition. When patients accept religious conversation, ask if they would like

to hear a “five-minute gospel”. The SCP should read the major encouraging

scriptures such as Romans 3:23, Titus 2:14, Matthew 11:28-30, and Romans

10:9-10 (p. 209).

Chapter 15 On the Road to Excellence: A Little Deeper.

Information on chaplaincy should not be based on training

and experience SCP attain while attending to the patients. Walton tells the

readers that he reads extensively on chaplaincy from used and online books. The

first book Walton suggests is “Promises from God’s Word” because it can be used

at both sad and happy moments (p. 225). The book offers encouragement from the

reliable and truthful word of God. For instance, when dealing with a worried

person the SCP should read scriptural verses such as Matthew 6:27, Psalms 94:9,

Psalms 34:18, Jeremiah 1:5, and Philippians 4:6-7. To a seriously ill or dying

patient, the SCP should verse such as Romans 10:0-10, Ephesians that talk about

God’s gift of salvation.

Books for chaplaincy may also include “Joni” by Joni

Eareckson, “Silent Struggler” by Glenn Mollette, “Facing Death and the Life

After” by Billy Graham, “Devotions for the Man in the Mirror” by Patrick

Morley. Other books include “My Gift: Myself” by Anne Chitwood Nowack,

“Conquering Depression” by Mark A. Sutton, and Bruce Hennigan, “Strategies for

Brief Pastoral Counseling” by Howard W. Stones (p. 229). Walton offers websites

that chaplains should follow to obtain crucial information about the carrier.

Lastly, he notes many sources which the book has referenced.

Summary

In summary “Compassionate Care: An Inspirational Guide

for Caregivers of the Seriously Ill” by Dr. Walton describes how chaplaincy can

be an easy and fulfilling carrier. Walton wrote the book because he did not

find useful information or sources from other chaplains that had worked in the

same field. The fifteen chapters of the book prepare people to help the

spiritually needy and strengthen their faith. The experiences of the various

events show that death is not a tragic event as perceived by many individuals.

He describes various challenges the SCPs face and ways to overcome them when

working with spiritually ill and dying persons. The book is useful for everyone

because death and serious illness occur to everyone. Moreover, it is useful for

people who want to provide spiritual help in hospice, long-term care, hospital

setting, or a family caregiver.

Work Cited

Walton, John W. Compassionate Care: An Inspirational Guide for

Caregivers of the Seriously Ill.

Xulon Press, 2009.

 

  Remember! This is just a sample.

Save time and get your custom paper from our expert writers

 Get started in just 3 minutes
 Sit back relax and leave the writing to us
 Sources and citations are provided
 100% Plagiarism free
error: Content is protected !!
×
Hi, my name is Jenn 👋

In case you can’t find a sample example, our professional writers are ready to help you with writing your own paper. All you need to do is fill out a short form and submit an order

Check Out the Form
Need Help?
Dont be shy to ask