Physical health is a major part of being in hospice care, but it isn’t the only one. Oftentimes hospice patients can benefit significantly from the services of someone outside the medical profession: spiritual advisors. While it’s the job of the hospice nurse at Suncrest Home Health and Hospice of Fremont to coordinate the physical care of the patient, a spiritual advisor can often assist with matters of the heart and mind.
Spiritual Care in Hospice in Fremont
Spiritual Care in Hospice in FremontMeeting with a spiritual advisor in hospice care is not required, of course, but visits from these professionals can often help restore a sense of peace to patients during this difficult time by demonstrating how their life still has purpose.
When spiritual advisors first meet with hospice patients, the patients are often suffering and in various stages of distress. In fact, few people quickly and easily make peace with their diagnosis. It takes time, and they often wrestle with the five stages of grief. Many of us undoubtedly think this is understandable — after all, these patients are facing death. We assume they are asking themselves questions like why me or how could this happen?
5 Stages of Grief
Spiritual advisors know that it is not just those left behind who grieve, but it is the patients themselves as well. We seek to help hospice patients cope with their spiritual pain, which will eventually allow them to reach the “acceptance” stage, so they can live out their last days with ease.
To that end, we ask them about the origins of their suffering and their stress. What are they most worried about or afraid of?
We hear many different answers. Some common ones include:
- A grandchild will be born soon and I want to see them.
- My partner will have a hard time coping after my death.
- My children will have a hard time coping after my death.
- I had projects I was working on that I wanted to finish.
While these are major, common concerns, each hospice patient has their own version of them, each with its own specific considerations. Assisting them with brainstorming actions they can take to mitigate their concerns often works to calm their fears.
For instance, we may assist them with drawing up a plan to help the loved ones they will eventually leave behind. Something as simple as a notebook detailing what type of food is the cat’s favorite, how to operate the washing machine and the names and numbers of important people such as the auto mechanic, handyman and others can bring a hospice patient a surprising level of comfort.
Suncrest Home Health and Hospice of Fremont
Entering hospice is a multifaceted experience, not just for the patient, but for family and close friends as well. Everyone is undoubtedly entering some uncharted waters. Spiritual advisors are here to guide you. For more information about how a spiritual advisor can help you or your family member in hospice care, contact Suncrest Home Health and Hospice of Fremont.
