Hospice chaplains and
spiritual counselors are available for terminally ill patients and their
families as another optional choice to promote quality of life. In recent
years, more patients are choosing this service, which has become more flexible
in meeting diverse needs, including the needs of those who say they are
spiritual but not religious. Trained chaplains bring additional compassion,
comfort, and understanding to the death journey, a time when many focus on the
meaning of life, their purpose, and general concerns about closure. Of course,
patients can still choose counseling from their own personal pastors, priests,
and spiritual leaders.
In additional to spiritual
counseling, hospice chaplains can also officiate at funerals and memorial
services. One of my hospice patients had no family support providing for an
end-of-life ritual. The hospice chaplain held a memorial service at the nursing
home that included a few nursing home residents, one relative, a friend, and
myself. The twelve of us sat in a circle while the chaplain read a spiritual
verse. This was followed by each of us commenting on our personal relationship
with the deceased. Our death ritual concluded on the front lawn with our
singing a spiritual song and the releasing of balloons that the chaplain had
brought.
In this video from Community
Home Care and Hospice, a hospice chaplain explains what he does, the rewards he
receives, and answers many questions people may have regarding his
patient-driven spiritual care. He honors one of his patients with special
recognition you won’t want to miss.
Frances Shani Parker, Author
Becoming Dead Right: A Hospice Volunteer
in Urban Nursing Homes is available in paperback and e-book
editions in America and other countries at online and offline booksellers.
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