Spiritual Care for Hospice Patients
The hospice team is available to support the spiritual care needs of patients as they navigate their personal end-of-life journey.
The Role of the Hospice Chaplain
The role of a chaplain is to provide respectful, compassionate, nonjudgmental emotional and spiritual support that aligns with each patient’s beliefs and practices. Chaplains listen, facilitate religious rituals and offer prayer and comfort for patients and families during the end-of-life journey and through a 13-month bereavement period.
Spiritual support from the hospice team is always optional. No explanation is needed if a patient does not want to utilize this part of the hospice benefit.
If a patient has different beliefs than our chaplain, it is our privilege to connect them with other faith leaders and communities that match their personal spiritual beliefs.
Hospice care is meant to be personal, and we leverage many resources to meet specific needs. For instance, a volunteer might accompany a patient to a religious service, or a music therapist might come to play or sing worship songs. We even work with a charitable foundation to meet end-of-life “wishes” that may involve requests of a spiritual nature. If there is a spiritual need that isn’t being met, never hesitate to ask for help.
Chaplains are equipped to lead spiritual rituals like communion or baptism at the bedside. If there is a spiritual rite or request that our chaplain isn’t able to perform, they will enlist the help of a representative from the community who can accommodate these needs and requests.
Spiritual Care Extends to Caregivers
The caregivers of patients are included as beneficiaries of the hospice benefit. If the patient doesn’t want or need spiritual services, the caregiver may seek chaplain services for themselves.
Chaplains can also act as bereavement coordinators. Bereavement care offers support, prayer and encouragement that extends for 13 months beyond the death of the patient.
How can I get in touch with a hospice chaplain?
Contact your local Elara Caring branch to connect with a chaplain in your area.
