Spiritual Care Grows at ABHM Communities
Chaplains Extend a Loving Hand and Willing Hearts
In 2011 ABHM set a goal to expand and enhance spiritual care by ensuring all communities offered residents and families a comprehensive Spiritual Services program lead by a community chaplain.
Today, we are proud to say that goal has been met, but there is still more to do. At each ABHM community, chaplains serve as the spiritual guide and provide residents and families the comfort and support they need. Further growth and development of the program is supported by continuing to implement the Chaplains' Standards of Practice for Professional Chaplains in Long-Term Care—industry-leading guidelines that help shape our practice, deepen spiritual relationships and support those receiving care.
A powerful example of how faith and spiritual care provide support in times of need was recently shared by Trail Ridge Senior Living Community resident Mary Olsen and Trail Ridge Chaplain Rev. Randy Fredrikson. Trail Ridge is an ABHM community located in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.
Mary speaks softly and deliberately, as though she's simply waiting for the word of God to reach her lips. "I gave my heart to Jesus when I was a young girl," she says, and it's clear that's where the 94-year-old's true source of strength and security still lies. At the same time, Mary feels eternal love and gratitude for the spiritual care she's received at Trail Ridge, particularly after her beloved husband, Wally, passed away in 2013.
That's due, in part, to the special tenderness and comfort, and the reassuring word of God that she received then and still does today at Trail Ridge from the spiritual care team of Rev. Randy Fredrikson and Chaplain Rebecca Trobec.
Mary's story is emblematic of the commitment to spiritual care—given with the utmost respect and dignity to all residents in ABHM communities. Throughout its seven Midwest senior living communities, ABHM's mission is to create healthy Christian communities that empower older adults and provide choices for housing, services and technology that enrich body, mind and spirit.
Shepherds of God's Flock
Be shepherds of God's flock that is under your care, watching over them—not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not pursuing dishonest gain, but eager to serve.
—1 Peter 5:2 NIV
"That verse refers back to Randy and Rebecca," Mary says. "They do care for the flock. We can laugh and cry together. I'm so grateful for the spiritual care they bring."
An American Baptist pastor for 31 years in churches in Hudson, Wisconsin and Brookings, South Dakota, Rev. Fredrikson joined the Trail Ridge staff part-time five years ago. "I'm a Christian pastor, and along with Rebecca, we minister to all 200 residents and staff," he says.
A Rising Need for Spiritual Care
Rev. Fredrikson's parents also were Trail Ridge residents, moving to the community in the mid-1990s. His father, Rev. Roger Fredrikson, visited and "unofficially ministered" to fellow residents. He passed away in 2016 at the age of 95.
In the last few years, Rev. Fredrikson says he's seen a greater need for spiritual care among residents. As a result of the increased need, he spends his days serving in many ways, including visiting residents in their apartments or at area hospitals and rehabilitation facilities, attending funerals and conducting memorial services at Trail Ridge.
The spiritual care program also offers Sunday afternoon and Tuesday morning worship services, along with a once-a month Catholic Mass performed by a local priest. On a monthly basis Trail Ridge also hosts an open communion, sponsored by the local Lutheran church.
Several Bible studies, a women's study group and monthly hymn singa- long round out the current spiritual program, with a grief support group to start up in the near future.
Rev. Fredrikson and Chaplain Trobec also lead daily devotions in the memory care area with hymns. "Music has such a positive effect. It touches residents in such a special way," Rev. Fredrikson says.
Big Moments in Small Places
Maybe it's in the small, unplanned moments at Trail Ridge where spiritual care heals most profoundly. "The other day a resident happened to be walking by our office," Rev. Fredrikson says. "By the grace of God she walked by. I had just been thinking that we should go see her.
She stopped and talked about her husband, her kids and how she was wounded. We sat with her and we listened. She said she usually didn't come through this part of the building where our offices are, and she said, 'I can't believe this happened. This is just what I needed right now.'"
No matter who shares in the moments or where they may be, the grace of God always shines within these places.
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