Spiritual Care

Our philosophy of care is to care for the whole person: body, mind and spirit. We believe that everyone has a spirit in need of care, regardless of if a person has a faith tradition or not. Ohio’s Hospice has a staff of caring chaplains and spiritual care volunteers who accompany patients and families on this part of life’s journey. These individuals provide compassionate listening, encouragement, and reassuring presence.

The Mission of Our Spiritual Care Team

The chaplains of Ohio’s Hospice provide compassionate care, listening to those in need at a critical time in their life. Their mission is to help patients and families deal with the many emotions associated with end of life and encourage them to embrace the spiritual aspects of their journey.

For individuals who have a strong religious or faith background that is an important aspect of their life, our chaplains honor and encourage their faith, which can bring comfort to the patient and their family.

For others, religious traditions may not have held a central role in faith, but they may still have a strong sense of spirituality. Hospice chaplains can help patients reflect upon their beliefs and express their spirituality. Chaplains also support those who define themselves as agnostic or atheist, meeting them where they are with no judgment or agenda.

Spiritual care at hospice is a much broader topic than just religion. It addresses many of the patient’s core longings:

• The need for feeling emotionally safe,
• To be affirmed as a valued and unique individual,
• To have one’s own epic story heard,
• To understand they are loved,
• And, to be connected with other human beings and God.

Chaplains frequently assist individuals who are struggling to find purpose and meaning in their final days. Often patients have goals they want to accomplish before dying. In these instances, chaplains can help articulate and facilitate their achievement. Sometimes this involves assistance in working on reconciling relationships.

For those struggling with their own spiritual ambiguities, the chaplain offers conversation to help them think these things through to find resolution. They also provide resources for spiritual growth and serve as liaison contacts to a patient’s faith community.

Chaplains are part of a larger team, the interdisciplinary care team, which works together to provide a comprehensive continuum of care to all patients. Communication and collaboration with the team assures that the patient and family receive all aspects of care, (spiritual, emotional, physical, and medical).

After the loss of a loved one, Chaplains continue to serve families. They are often part of a comprehensive bereavement plan providing comfort, conducting funeral and memorial services, and honoring the lives of hospice patients.

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