Spiritual Coordinator will fill a void at Hillcrest Care Center
— Diana Badley Laurel Advocate
LAUREL — “What a Friend We Have in Jesus” is one of the most famous hymns in all of Christendom.
Joseph Scriven, an Irish immigrant to Canada, penned the text in 1855 as an effort to bring comfort to his mother who had fallen ill across the ocean in Dublin.
The lyrics, though not exceptional poetry, offer simple encouragement and a friendly reminder that God is there.
Hillcrest Care Center has taken steps to provide spiritual care comfort for its residents and staff amidst the current pandemic.
Brenda Nissen has been hired as the Spiritual Care Coordinator.
In May, Rev. Jeffery Warner, a member of the Hillcrest Board of Directors and Pastor of Immanuel Lutheran Church, LCMS, proposed there be a Spiritual Care Coordinator at Hillcrest.
“Our residents had been very well served for decades through the cooperative efforts of our local clergy, prior to the pandemic,” he said. “ In an effort to protect vulnerable persons in our care, all visitation was restricted, including visits from family and us pastors.”
Warner said he is thankful the medical director, administrator and all staff acted so quickly to protect the elderly and infirm.
“So many adjustments had to be made to every facet and level of care,” he said.
That decision left a void, though, he said.
“The people in our care have invested decades of their life in the support and service of our local congregations. Most have enjoyed very caring, personal relationships with their home pastors. Now, when they need that spiritual care and support the most, it was kind of being lost in the shuffle.”
Warner’s proposal included four potential solutions to Hillcrest’s deficit in spiritual care.
1-do nothing.
2- add duties to current staff’s responsibilities.
3- appoint or hire a Spiritual Care Coordinator/Chaplain or two as a permanent member of Hillcrest Care Center staff.
4-invite candidates for position to submit short-term contract-for-service bids, subject to review and renewal of services on monthly or quarterly basis. The board adopted the fourth option.
It was decided this person would be solely dedicated to assess and monitor each person’s level of spiritual distress, identify their most meaningful spiritual relationships and available resources, and develop an individualized plan of spiritual care.
The contribution of a Spiritual Care Coordinator is to honor a person’s own religious convictions, preferences and uphold (even strengthen, when possible) their connection to a home pastor and congregation, not to replace them.
Nissen began her role as Spiritual Care Coordinator last week. Nissen is no stranger to the caregiving or faith communities. She is a nurse and also leads a multi-denominational ladies triple trio. The “Heavenly Hens” have led morning services at the Dixon County Fair for the past two years.
The group performs and donates profits to local nonprofits.
Nissen is excited for this new adventure. “Hillcrest is really fortunate to have this position. There aren’t many facilities in our area who have their own Spiritual Care Coordinator.” She continued, “I am excited to meet each resident and help them where they are at. Many times it will be just to listen, help to process their struggles, and find peace.” Nissen will serve as the liaison between the residents and their pastor. “I am not there to evangelize, I am there to encourage and build up residents, staff, and their families.”
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Warner is excited about the natural partnership that occurs, “Knowing someone is there at Hillcrest as my partner in caring for the people I’ve been given to shepherd through these times—I see this as a precious gift and the main benefit from my end. And obviously, the residents benefit from the personal interaction and deliberate connection to home church and home pastor—and a deliberate effort to help keep them spiritually connected to their God!”
A few examples of ways that Nissen will serve the residents of Hillcrest are: help with Bible studies, writing letters, keeping in contact with local pastors with parishioner’s specific needs and requests, and help process through spiritual needs. “All of us have faith struggles, even later in life. It is not uncommon or abnormal for seasoned believers to have trials in faith. It is important that residents have someone to talk to while they are going through things.”
Nissen’s position is not limited to residents only. She will also provide spiritual care for staff. “I am excited to work with both residents and staff, so that everyone can come to a place of peace where they are at.” Perhaps Nissen will be able to serve the Hillcrest community and remind them of how close God is to them, right where they are.
“What a friend we have in Jesus, all our sins and griefs to bear. What a privilege to carry everything to God in prayer. Oh, what peace we often forfeit! Oh, what needless pain we bear. All because we do not carry everything to God in prayer.”
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