Sálgæslu

Sálgæslu, or spiritual care, refers to support aimed at addressing existential, meaning-related, and spiritual needs of individuals. It is not tied to any single religion and is offered to people of diverse beliefs or none. The goal is to help with coping during illness, suffering, loss, and end-of-life decisions, and to assist in reflecting on values, identity, and purpose.

Practices in sálgæslu include listening, presence, and conversation about beliefs, doubt, hope, and meaning. Practitioners may provide or facilitate rituals, sacraments, or quiet reflection, support ethical decision-making, and coordinate with medical or social care teams. Care is delivered with confidentiality, cultural sensitivity, and appropriate professional boundaries, and may involve referrals to religious communities or secular resources as needed.

Typical settings for sálgæslu are hospitals, hospices, palliative care units, prisons, universities, and broader community organizations. Professionals include chaplains, hospital clergy, and trained lay caregivers; teams are often interfaith or secular and work with patients, families, and care staff to address spiritual and existential concerns.

In healthcare and social care, sálgæslu is commonly integrated into person-centered care through policies, guidelines, and staff training. Reported benefits include reduced distress, improved coping, a greater sense of meaning, and enhanced dignity at difficult life moments. Practice emphasizes respect for diverse belief systems, informed consent, and careful attention to boundaries and confidentiality.