The Chaplain's Voice
August 21, 2024
Q&A With Our Chaplain, Rev. Arlen Solem
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 Rev. Arlen Solem, Chaplain at Emerald Crest in Burnsville, Minnetonka and Shakopee, Minnesota; as well as Regent at Burnsville. Join us as we dive into Rev. Arlen’s approach to chaplaincy and explore the vital importance of spiritual care in our communities.
Q: How long have you been in this role?
A: “Six years at Emerald Crest and four months at Regent.
Q: What does a typical day look like for you as a chaplain?
A: At Emerald Crest, I have 20- to 30-minute worship services at each of the 11 houses once a week. The rest of my day is spent visiting with residents largely in public space, but also some private visits, especially with residents who are new or struggling. If a person’s health is failing, I spend time with them. I also make several phone calls, emails and/or texts to families of our residents.
At Regent, I also have two short weekly worship services: one in the care suites and another in the memory care. I have many short visits in the public area and I also visit people going through challenges in their apartments.
Q: Share a memorable experience you had with a resident or their family that highlights the importance of spiritual life care.
A: I have seen many residents who, especially when new or just having a difficult day, become relaxed and focused through the worship services. Their struggles slowly wash away as they sing and pray and have communion. Their outlook for the day or at least for that 30 minutes is changed.
Q: How has a creative or unique approach you’ve taken met the emotional needs of a resident?
A: During the Covid pandemic, there was a woman who loved having her weekly wash and set, all aspects of it: socially, the pampering, the feelings of having her hair washed and the look of freshly set hair. This went away. I talked to a couple of beauticians and also with the help of this woman, we began to wash and set her hair. We both loved it.
We also have had several residents who have had their spouse also live at Emerald Crest. Several times, with consultation of families and nursing, I have taken people to be at the bedside of their dying wives, helping them to share about their wives, understand in their own way what was happening and pray with them. Then I follow up with these men and ask open questions that would lead them to discuss their wives’ death if they remembered it but without telling them their wives have died. Sometimes these men have known more or less, though one man I remember referred to her as his mother. Others don't remember. Wherever they are at or whatever words they use I follow suit.
Q: Describe a time when you felt deeply moved by an interaction with a resident or their family.
A: We had a resident who was dying of CHF and was getting weaker and weaker. She had been a pastor. She always came to the worship services but, as her health worsened, she would apologize, saying she just didn't feel well but would be back next week. She didn't realize that it had been several weeks and, of course, I didn't remind her. She also didn't realize she was dying.
The last time I saw her, she was lying in her bed. I went and visited her. After a few minutes, she said she wanted to get up for church. She started to but soon got very weak and apologized, saying she needed rest and would come next week. My eyes welled up with tears. She asked why I was crying. I told her that one of my close friends was dying. She very lovingly and pastorally comforted me, saying it was beautiful I loved my friend so much and that my friend would be made whole again and live with Jesus.
Q: Have you seen anyone begin their spiritual journey or use a spiritual gift to encourage and bless their neighbors? of these things in your work with older adults? Describe that experience.
A: We had one resident who was a lifelong Christian and churchgoer but never was baptized. She asked to be, so we set a date, invited family and she was baptized at one of our weekly worship services.
I have also seen people with dementia who feel a lack of purpose when moving in, find purpose in befriending someone who seems to need a friend or some help. Oftentimes, these people they help are also people who were loving Christians in their lives and now they are serving a purpose by granting someone else the gift of showing Christian love and care.
Q: What is your prayer for the residents you serve?
A: I pray that they may know contentment and purpose in their lives, that they may feel God's love and the love of their families and friends. I pray that they receive excellent care.”
Thank you, Rev. Arlen, for everything you have done for our residents, their families and our staff at the communities you serve!
Above, Betty, also known as Roxie, with Reverend Arlen Solem.
For questions about our spiritual care program, or if you would like spiritual care and support for you or your loved one, contact Chaplain Arlen Solem at 612-263-0503. or Arlen.Solem@cassialife.org.
At Emerald Crest, we offer a deep knowledge of memory care in a specialized assisted living setting for seniors with Alzheimer’s and dementia-related conditions. We encourage you to contact us directly with any questions or request a tour. For tours and general information, please contact Elizabeth Wendel at 952-908-2215.
Emerald Crest by Cassia provides memory care in a unique environment, specifically designed to support those with cognitive issues. Utilizing this exceptional model of care, individuals with dementia, Alzheimer’s and related conditions can flourish in positive relationships and participation in meaningful activities. Memory care is offered in the Minneapolis – Saint Paul area with communities in convenient locations: Shakopee, Burnsville, Minnetonka, MN.
