Hospice
2008-04-01 11:22:00
What is a hospice chaplain?
Question: “What is the role of a hospice chaplain?”
Answer: Persons and families facing a terminal diagnosis often find themselves overwhelmed not only by the medical aspects of their situation but by spiritual and emotional stresses as well. They may have multitudes of questions and need someone who has experience, knowledge, compassion and wisdom to guide them to answers. Or, they may be in such shock or paralyzed by fear that they cannot talk about it and they need someone who can demonstrate patience and acceptance and be available to them when they are ready. Hospice chaplains have the training and ability to deal with both of these situations and many more as well.
Hospice chaplains have a unique place in the care of the terminally ill. They must be highly trained and experienced and have the personality, character and skills to help patients and families cope with difficult circumstances. The hospice chaplain does not replace a person’s or family’s pastor, priest or spiritual advisor. Rather, he/she works in concert with the patient’s clergy to give support to the patient’s spiritual faith and encourages the patient and family to find strength in their beliefs.
Some hospice patients have no clergy, place of worship or particular spiritual belief. Although some of these patients decline chaplain services, many of them want a chaplain to visit them for the reasons I will outline below. Some patients who have strong ties with their church or their pastor may sometimes also decline chaplain services. However, many have found that utilizing the services of the hospice chaplain as a supplement to their own clergy provides them an increased level of care.
Here are some reasons for patients and family to accept the services of the hospice chaplain.
1. The Hospice Chaplain is part of the Hospice Interdisciplinary Team along with the Medical Director, Case Manager, Director of Clinical Services, Quality Nurse Specialist, Social Worker and Volunteer Director. As a member of the team the chaplain has information from many sources regarding the patient’s condition and along with the team helps to design and implement a plan of care that is unique to the patient.
2. The Hospice Chaplain understands the dying process and can be a reliable source of information for the patient and family regarding signs and symptoms of impending death.
3. The Hospice Chaplain helps the patient and family to make the most of each day and can provide resources for tying up loose ends and mending relationships.
4. The Hospice Chaplain can help in advanced directives, funeral planning and connecting patients and families to spiritual resources as they desire.
5. The Hospice Chaplain is always available and approachable. He/she is not “rattled” by tough questions and will give honest answers. Many people want to talk about dying but find that their family, friends and sometimes even they are in denial or are uncomfortable dealing with these subjects. Also, it is sometimes easier for patients and families to express their fears and concerns to a person with whom they do not have an emotional tie. The hospice chaplain is above all, a good listener.
6. The Hospice Chaplain understands the grieving process and can minister to families even after the death of their loved one. Usually hospice will follow-up with the family for a year after the patient’s death.
Hospice chaplains are a vital part of the hospice team and serve a unique role in the overall care of the patient and family. While most hospice chaplains are full-time employees of the hospice, there is also a need for qualified individuals to serve as volunteer chaplains.
