Mission and Spiritual Care Director – Edgar Neudorf

St. Ann’s Spiritual Care Mission Statement

“Providing safe, quality health care and housing within the healing tradition of the Catholic Church.”

• The Mission and Spiritual Care Department provides support and comfort for the residents of St. Ann’s. This may simply mean offering a compassionate ear for the residents’ complaints or discomfort, but it may also include counseling and advice for specific problems. Regardless of the form that the ministry takes, the chaplain will communicate a caring friendship to support the residents in the journey during this phase of their lives.
• Many residents will face a health crisis or death. The chaplain will be available to offer comfort to the individual as well as the family, supporting them in their fear or grief. During this difficult time, sensitivity and compassion are requisite for the spiritual support needed by all involved; the patient, family, and staff. Providing comfort for the dying is a key part of the Chaplain’s role.

Additionally:

• The role of the Mission and Spiritual Department is to assist the residents, family, friends and staff to recognize the rich resources within their own spirit.
• To provide private and confidential spiritual counseling and referrals if deemed necessary.
• To provide continuous spiritual support if our loved one is transferred to a health care facility within the city.
• New admissions will be visited by the Mission and Spiritual Director (Chaplain) to tailor the individual’s spiritual needs.

Advanced Care Directives and Serious Illness/Sudden Collapse

Soon after the resident’s admission, the resident and family will be contacted by the Mission and Spiritual Director regarding the Advanced Care Directive and Serious Illness/Sudden Collapse documents. These documents communicate the resident’s wishes to his/her family and those in the medical profession in a critical moment of need.

The Advance Care Directive details the residents’ desire in regard to his/her health. The serious Illness and sudden collapse document focuses on one aspect of health. If the resident suddenly collapse or has a serious illness, staff need to know immediately the residents wishes and who to contact.

The Mission and Spiritual Director assists the resident and family through this procedure.