At Sun Health Communities, wellness is more than physical health, it’s about nurturing our mind, body, and spirit. There are many aspects which are a part of healthy, vibrant living, with spiritual well-being being a key part of that foundation. One of Sun Health’s core values is ensuring that every resident has the opportunity to strengthen and express their spiritual wellness as part of living a full and meaningful life.
The Spiritual Life Department serves as the heart of this mission. Each community has a dedicated chaplain available for residents and staff members, offering guidance, comfort, and support in times of joy and difficulty alike.
Reverend Andrew Moore, Director of Spiritual Services, shares, “We help offer a wider picture of life, including how we interact with others and the world around us. I think we do a pretty good job of trying to be as all-encompassing as possible, while also being very specific when it’s appropriate.”
Widening Your Worldview
One of the many ways the Spiritual Life Department enriches the community experience is by helping residents explore new traditions and perspectives. Spiritual growth can often come from learning about and appreciating customs outside one’s own, fostering a deeper sense of connection and understanding.
For example, at a recent Jewish celebration, residents of all faiths joined together to learn and experience the traditions firsthand. Reverend Moore noted that “there were as many non-Jews as Jews in attendance,” a testament to the community’s openness and inclusivity. The department also organized a visit to a Sikh temple, giving residents the opportunity to experience a new environment of worship and reflection. These experiences not only broaden horizons but also build empathy, understanding, and unity among residents.
Pastoral Care and Connection
A vital part of the Spiritual Life Department’s work is pastoral care and offering emotional and spiritual support in times of crisis or change. Chaplains are present to provide comfort, prayer, and a listening ear, but their relationships with residents go far beyond moments of hardship.
Reverend Moore and his team emphasize the importance of connection long before a crisis occurs. Building trust and familiarity helps residents feel comfortable turning to their chaplain when challenges arise. “Pastoral care is not just for sad times,” Rev. Moore explains. “It’s also about encouraging smiles, compassion, and love.”
Whether celebrating milestones, offering words of encouragement, or simply being a friendly presence, chaplains play an important role in the day-to-day life of each community. They also recognize when additional help is needed and can connect residents or staff to other supportive resources within Sun Health.
Supporting Spirituality and Faith
When residents move into a Sun Health Community, the Spiritual Life Department’s goal is to support and honor the faith they already have or to help them find new ways to explore spirituality. This includes providing opportunities for worship within the community, as well as transportation to local places of worship so that residents can continue their existing faith practices.
Sun Health’s approach is one of openness and inclusion. The department accommodates residents of many faiths and supports those who may not identify with a specific religion but still seek meaning and purpose in their lives.
Rev. Moore shares, “When people recognize spiritual wellness as part of their overall well-being, and that part of them is nourished and challenged in a good way, then we’re doing what we should be doing.”
This focus on the spiritual self-enriches the entire community. It encourages residents to be more compassionate, reflective, and understanding, strengthens friendships and makes Sun Health Communities an even more connected and caring place to live.
Impact Across the Community
The work of the Spiritual Life Department extends beyond personal spiritual care. Chaplains collaborate closely with other departments to ensure that spiritual needs are considered in all aspects of community life.
For instance, the team partners with Dining Services to make sure that meals reflect residents’ beliefs and traditions. During Jewish holidays, matzah and other appropriate foods are available, and during the Lenten season, residents who observe that season can enjoy a variety of meatless options on Fridays. These thoughtful touches help residents feel seen, respected, and supported in their individual faith journeys.
The Spiritual Life team also supports healthcare staff and residents in the Health and Rehab Center, offering emotional and spiritual care as they navigate challenging situations. Additionally, chaplains collaborate with the Memory Care Navigator program to address the spiritual and emotional needs of those living with memory loss and their loved ones, which provides comfort, presence, and understanding in a changing environment.
A Vital Part of Whole-Person Wellness
The Spiritual Life Department plays a crucial role in ensuring that every resident’s spiritual well-being is cared for as an integral part of overall health. This holistic approach contributes to Sun Health’s mission of promoting whole-person wellness, where mind, body, and spirit are nurtured together.
Through compassionate care, inclusive practices, and meaningful opportunities for reflection and connection, the department helps residents live with greater peace, purpose, and joy. The result is a community that not only cares for one another but also grows together in spirit and in heart.
To learn more about life at a Sun Health Community and all the benefits available, please visit SunHealthCommunities.org.
