Research Theme
Spiritual Care for Seniors Program
Program Coordinator: Dr. Marianne Mellinger
The purpose of this program is to promote research and education in the field of spirituality that will benefit the lives of current and incoming residents and staff in retirement and Long Term Care.
What is spirituality? There is no one accepted definition of "spirituality", but typically most definitions include the following characteristics:
Spirituality: That which lies at the core of each person's being, that is concerned with ultimate meaning and purpose and that is expressed through values, hopefulness, vocation, and relationship with oneself, others, the natural world and the transcendent. It may or may not include religious practices. The word "spirituality" came into common usage in the 1960s. People born before 1935 may experience "spirituality" as a foreign concept, for some it may even have negative connotations. This group is more likely to be sustained by familiar religious practices (Henry Simmons, Ph.D.).
Some of the current research and educational initiatives within this theme include:
- Compiling a user-friendly, multi-faith manual of spiritual practices, prayers, sacred texts and rituals
- A one-day seminar for professionals and the general public on "Spiritual Care for Seniors"
- Identifying spiritual practices that assist in successful transition into continuing care facilities
Current Research Projects
| Project Name | Principal Investigator |
| Your Social Groups, Health and Well-Being | Dr. Renate Ysseldyk Dr. Catherine Haslam |
| The Effect of Music on Older Adults in Long Term Care | Amy Clements-Cortes |
| The Role of Reminiscence on Overall Health and Well-Being | Dr. Cath Haslam |
| Use of a spiritual assessment tool | Dr. Marianne Mellinger Conrad Grebel University College |
| Forgiveness and Older Adults | Dr. Marianne Mellinger Conrad Grebel University College |
| The Use of Music in Spiritual Care | Dr. Marianne Mellinger Conrad Grebel University College |
Completed Research Projects
| Project Name | Principal Investigator | Completion Date |
| Using the labyrinth to enhance spiritual care programs within the Schlegel Villages | Dr. Marianne Mellinger Conrad Grebel University College |
2010 |
| Finding hope and meaning in long-term care and retirement homes | Dr. Marianne Mellinger Conrad Grebel University College |
2010 |
| The Photo Video Essay: Relationships | Sumeet Rehal Student Sheridan College |
2010 |
| Environmental scan of spiritual practices within the Schlegel Villages | Dr. Marianne Mellinger |
2007 |