Spiritual care represents an integral part of hospice care, as relevant to the mission of a hospice program as controlling the patient's physical pain or involving the family members in the patient's care. This aspect of Hospice is one of the characteristics which make our program unique. Hospice recognizes the importance of the spiritual in life and that this part of human experience frequently grows in significance as a person or loved one faces death.
While many people regard religious and spiritual as interchangeable terms, hospice recognizes that a persons spirituality is much broader than what we traditionally consider religion. Spiritual support comprises any communication, activity or event in the course of care that
(a) enhances the sharing of beliefs and values, stories of a person's journey through life,
(b) heightens awareness or promotes understanding of self, others and values, and opens blocked spiritual pathways.
Patients and families may or may not use religious language to discuss their feelings, beliefs, life stories.
Most of our patients will present a traditional Christian background, although there will be great variation even among this group. Many patients will come from other organized religious affiliations such as Jewish, Moslem, Native American, Buddhist, Hindu, etc. Some will profess an agnostic, humanistic or atheistic orientation. Members of the Hospice of North Central Florida must be prepared for these differences and meet on the patient's ground without feeling a threat to one s own belief, without judgment, and without any intention to proselytize or bring a patient to the one true faith. Our role is to comfort, not to convert.
Volunteers will have the privilege of hearing patients share their spiritual journeys. Remember the journey is theirs, and it is unique to them. Listening is a very big part of what we do for patients and families. Through listening in a nonjudgmental way, we learn about their unique hopes and beliefs, thoughts and feelings; we have an opportunity to learn about their life dreams, and hopes...all of which help form their unique spirituality. Being present with the patient is very important; being with them in a caring way, genuinely sharing their feelings and journey.
Spiritual Support Services are provided by the Hospice Interdisciplinary Care Team under the direction of the Team s Chaplain. The Hospice Chaplains also function as consultants to staff and volunteers on spiritual care and religious matters related to patient's needs.
An initial assessment is completed upon admission by the Social Worker of the patient's spiritual needs as part of the psychosocial assessment. This information is discussed at the Interdisciplinary Care Team meeting. A referral may be made to the chaplain for additional assessment. Referrals are also made throughout the period of active Hospice Care for spiritual support and for grief follow-up when appropriate.
Other services may be provided according to the patient or family's request. Often the Chaplains provide professional consultation to a patient's own minister regarding pastoral care of dying persons. The Hospice Chaplains may also perform baptisms, celebrate the Lord's Supper, officiate at the funeral or memorial service for the patient as appropriate and requested.
As part of the Interdisciplinary Care Team, volunteers may also participate in providing spiritual support. If the patients requests that a volunteer pray or read aloud religious material, and if the volunteer can do so comfortably, then it is appropriate to do. Often, valuable insight can be gained by asking the patient what they would like to have read, or what spiritual needs the prayer is to address.
As with all activities with patients, Hospice volunteers are urged to listen, support, care, and report. Listen to what the patient is saying both verbally and nonverbally; support the patient in this final journey through life; care for them; and or course, report any needs or changes to Hospice staff.
