We are thrilled to welcome you to our Q&A series, where we will be shining a spotlight on our extraordinary chaplains at Cassia. Through their unwavering support and compassionate presence, our chaplains provide comfort and guidance to our residents, their families and our staff.
In this installment, we are honored to feature Pastor Dan Osborn, Chaplain at Park View. Join us as we delve into Pastor Osborn’s approach to chaplaincy and explore the vital importance of spiritual care in our communities.
Q: What inspired you to become a chaplain in this industry? What motivates you to continue this work every day?
A: “An elderly lady/friend in one of my pastorates said, “You would make a great chaplain.” It was during a time that health concerns in my family were such that I could not lead a church. I believed that I had a deep love for God and for people and that I particularly enjoyed and related well to the elderly that I applied and got the job as a chaplain. Ultimately it is God who calls and equips!
Q: What do you find most rewarding about your role as a chaplain? What aspect of your job brings you the most joy or fulfillment?
A: I love the small and large group services where I can lead in worship and the Word. I love to involve and provide interactive times together as we gather.
Q: Is there a particular moment or story that stands out to you as especially impactful or meaningful in your work?
A: At home, my wife will ask me, “What was your highlight for the day?” So, every day has at least one highlight. As I look back on my cumulative 13 years, I think watching the residents sing the “Amen” song with such gusto and being disappointed if we don’t end our services with it makes me very joyful in my inner most being. I can clearly see that faith is at work in them and they are bearing fruit in their old age as well as my joy watching God inhabit the praise of His people.
Q: Share examples of how spiritual life care has brought comfort or peace to residents or staff members during challenging times.
A: Our staff has found encouragement as we remember those who have passed from the last six months at our campus. We remember through a memorial service as well as a slide show that staff and families can watch at their convenience that day. We have posters of obituaries and pictures, as well.
Staff and families are given a chance to share a memory if they want and often do. Our staff are giving a lot, every day, and they need an opportunity to grieve when some of their “Park View family” dies. We have also had many compliments on our “Walk of Honor.” When a resident dies, we have a brief service and walk them to the hearse with words of comfort and songs of hope. Family have so often expressed how comforting it is to see their loved one honored this way.
Q: Describe a creative or unique approach you’ve taken to meet the emotional needs of a resident.
A: In our Prayer Team Service on Tuesday morning we take half an hour to pray. One of the ways in which we do that is to go through the ABC’s of praise (celebrating who God is) and of thanksgiving (what He has been doing).
When we began, very few were comfortable praying out loud and now almost everyone takes a turn. Non-verbal residents come along as well and get to take it all in and pray in their own way. When staff walk by to we invite them to let us know how we might pray for them and then pray them up right then and there. Occasionally, family members join us, as well. When I am absent, one of our residents’ husband leads the group in prayer. We whip right through the ABC’s like nothing – it is amazing!
Q: Describe a time when you felt deeply moved by an interaction with a resident or their family.
A: I am moved when through God’s grace, God’s people who suffer from dementia are “awakened” and can sing, quote scripture and pray while just minutes previously they were speechless or unable to hold a meaningful conversation. To be able to draw out the Word of God that has comforted them for many years and to watch them sing full verses of powerful, God-celebrating hymns is very moving and fulfilling for me. I am humbled to play a part in such holy moments.
Q: Was there a time when a resident taught you something valuable or unexpected?
A: Recently a Christian minister who is unable to care for himself at home is receiving care in our TCU. He is in the process of putting his life work on the internet for free so that others can benefit from his study and Christian teaching over the years.
I was able to download some of the Bible studies and then talk with him about them. He is teaching me that, although we may lose some of our abilities, we can make adjustments and continue to serve the Lord in creative ways. I see his perseverance and thankfulness in the midst of trials and it is inspiring to me.”
Thank you, Pastor Dan Osborn, for everything you have done for our residents, their families and our staff at Park View!
