The ideal democracy would uphold the dignity of all and pursue the spiritual practices of compassion and kindness. Faith communities contribute to this ideal by caring for the sick. Officially, parish nursing has been a specialty in the nursing field since it started in Chicago in the 1980s, but faith community health programs in the U.S, have a long history dating back to official programs in the 1800s. Parish nursing is not intended to be a substitute for healthcare; rather it is a way to determine needs and refer people to help. Lay people may also serve as health care advocates, especially for singles and older people. An advocate keeps track of a patient's complaints and symptoms, attends medical appointments, takes notes on health care providers' recommendations, and helps with organizing a medication schedule. A faith community can also offer nutrition workshops, exercise classes, or CPR and first aid training.
— Kristin Ritzau in Practicing Democracy with Your Faith Community by Kristin Ritzau, Mary Ann Brussat