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The hospice approach to end-of-life care is a holistic focus on the entire person: body, mind and spirit. An integral part of the hospice care team, our chaplains are available to provide spiritual support for patients and their families, as requested.
Many people have the misconception that chaplains push specific religious beliefs. However, the intent of spiritual support is to meet patients and their families wherever they are in terms of beliefs and values.
While our chaplains are available to provide religious rituals that patients may request and find meaningful (for example: prayer, communion, pre-planning funerals/memorial services, coordinating with religious leaders in the community to whom the patient and family may have connections, etc.) the scope of spiritual support is much broader.
When facing mortality, people often find it helpful to consider their beliefs and values, to come to terms with the meaning of life, and to ponder deep, personal questions. They may want to think about and discuss questions such as:
- Do I believe in God or a Higher Power?
- What, if anything, happens after death? Do I believe in heaven?
- Is there anything about death that causes me to be fearful?
- What is the purpose of my life? Have I fulfilled it?
- How have I made the world a better place?
- What legacy do I leave my family? Friends? Community? World?
- Is there anyone I need to forgive or ask forgiveness of?
- How can I accept what is happening to me/my body?
- Is there a “gift” in this illness? What can I learn and how can I grow from this experience?
- What inspires me? Gives me hope?
- How can I experience peace of mind?
- How can I express gratitude?
If you or your loved one would benefit from participating in religious observances and/or discussing spiritual questions about the meaning of life, call our main office at [541] 382-5882 or email us at info@cohhh.org to request a visit from a chaplain for spiritual support.
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