Spiritual Circle

The Recreation Department of Queens Manor has been trying to implement a special program at the facility.

The program is called Spiritual Circle and for about a year, Recreation Director, Tara Smith has worked at securing sponsorship from the community Churches.

The Churches have been very supportive as this is one area of out reach services that has not been considered.

The Program will be designed to meet the needs of some of the residents at Queens Manor with advanced dementia or frail health that are not able to participate or benefit from regular Spiritual support programs such as Church, Bible Study, Hymn Sing etc.

For many elderly, religion has always been an important aspect of their lives, and in their later years, it can provide a vehicle for recalling the past and creating feelings of spiritual fulfillment, comfort, and familiarity.

Spiritual Circle program themes provide opportunities for life review and can be used as stepping stones for recalling the past and sparking memories.

Under the direction of a spiritual support person (Clergy or lay person) and a musical support person, (preferred instrument guitar and able to lead singing and interact with residents) the program approach is to trigger emotional responses and enhance overall quality of life.

Milton Christian Church was a mayor sponsor of the program.

Their Pastor Jen Garbin said, “When Tara approached Milton Christian Church with the idea of the Spiritual Circle, we felt drawn to support the effort for a number of reasons. The first, and perhaps most important was that here was a group of people who had given of themselves to the church, the community and their families, and now had become almost invisible and forgotten. We felt we could be part of returning some of the love and care they had shared during their lives. Even though they cannot respond and participate in the ways we would normally expect, we agreed with Tara that their spiritual health was just as important as any of our own. God’s unconditional love and acceptance that they lived with all their lives was just as valid and important now, if not more so. We step out in faith with Tara and her team, believing whole-heartedly that every person has value in this world, regardless of ability, and deserves the care and compassion of the community.”

Another major sponsor was the Anglican Parish of South Queens, the congregation held a potluck supper to support this program.

Many other organizations and Churches have contributed to help us make the program a reality. We are all set to start the Program this fall. Tara Smith thanks the Churches for their support in helping to meet the spiritual needs of this special population.