Holistic care, or better called ‘wholistic’ care aims to take care of the whole person –body, mind and spirit and not the isolated body systems or parts. Illnesses are the result of imbalance or distorted relationships between different systems/parts of the body and the interaction of the body with other bodies and the existential surroundings.
Human beings, created in the image of God, have the unique ability to think, judge and search for moral values, meaning and quality of life. Ignoring spiritual needs of a person will fail to address total person care. This is of particularly importance in end-of-life care but should be extended to the practice of medicine as a whole.
The whole person care philosophy of the SASHCC is based on the love of Christ, respect of life and the worth of the individual. The Christ on the cross is at the very centre of our care model. When people experience the love of Christ, they will find reconciliation in relationships, with God, with their significant others and with their own selves. This will enable them to face physical death with peace and hope. In the love of Christ, we believe that even if the disease is incurable, inner healing is still possible. We also believe that even in frail old age and in the face of death, spiritual growth and renewal are still possible with the grace of God.
“Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day.” (II Co 4:16)
“He himself bore our sins” in his body on the cross, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; “by his wounds you have been healed.” (Peter 2:24)
With respect for life, through the presence and companionship of empathy and compassion, representing Christ’s presence in the midst of suffering, bringing comfort, reconciliation, meaning, hope, and growth to life.
Creating a tranquil and harmonious living environment, with close-to-nature garden facilities and a warm, accepting, and unhurried service atmosphere, becoming a haven that bears the pains of life, allowing people to meet the Lord peacefully.
Providing human care that respects life and upholds dignity, understanding the unique life situations and experiences of service users with the heart of Christ, and promoting holistic peace and fulfillment in body, mind, and spirit.
The arrow pointing first to Christ and then to the service users conveys a belief in care that is rooted in the heart of Christ and is fundamentally centered on people.
Through seamless, comprehensive accommodation and community care services, responding in a timely manner to the urgent needs of an aging society for palliative care, geriatric rehabilitation, transitional care, and quality infirmary care, while collaborating with community supporters and partners to promote volunteer development, life and death education, and training in late-life care, collectively building a compassionate community that witnesses the transformative power of the Gospel of Christ.
