baylor scott & white health
Health Care Reimagined
healing with pastoral care
After his wife ’ s death , Howard Romer became increasingly despondent . His longtime Flower Mound neighbors were moving away . The church he and his family attended for more than 40 years was sold . His life outside his home shrank to grocery trips and doctor appointments . He developed a sense of acute isolation .
To ease this pain , Baylor Scott & White Health chaplain Paul Chacko began visiting Howard regularly and praying with him . To encourage him to meet new people , Rev . Chacko suggested Howard attend a Wednesday night dinner program for seniors at a local church . He started attending regularly and joined a new circle of friends who made his life more meaningful . When he could no longer drive himself , a church van provided transportation .
Howard , now 86 , continued to miss the communion ritual from his previous church . When Rev . Chacko was able to serve him communion at home through Baylor Scott & White ’ s “ House Calls ” program , it brought tears of joy to the retiree . Seven years since their first meeting , Rev . Chacko still visits Howard in a Dallas retirement community .
Howard ’ s experience is an example of the estimated 3,000 visits to seniors by the system ’ s chaplains . Their visits and phone calls ensure patients feel honored and supported in their elder years . Along with Baylor Scott & White clinicians and social workers , the chaplains regularly visit homebound Baylor Senior Health Center patients and seniors recently discharged from the hospital .
Fully funded by Baylor Health Care System Foundation , “ House Calls ” recognizes the role that faith plays in community health and the healing process .
Rev . Chacko also visited Howard when he was in the hospital in Plano a few years ago . Howard ’ s son , John , said his father “ really enjoyed the visits . They filled quite a void .”
Rev . Paul Chacko provides pastoral care through a program for seniors that promotes the role faith can play in the healing process .
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