Spiritual Support

The kind of spiritual care Hospicare provides depends upon each person’s needs and desires– and what spirituality means to him or her. Our Spiritual Care Coordinator Edie Reagan takes great care to respect everyone’s unique understanding of faith, religion, or spirituality and to work with them within that framework. All of our patients are asked, when they are admitted, if they would like to receive spiritual care. They may also contact us at any point to request spiritual care. Edie calls or visits all those who are interested.

Conversations and connections

Spiritual Care Coordinator Edie Reagan meets with a patient.Spiritual care often means sitting with people and talking about their life experiences, in light of their faith. It may include praying, reading sacred texts, and singing together. We can also connect patients with pastoral leaders from their own faith traditions and arrange for visits.

Spiritual care can also provide support in exploring how religious beliefs are helping or hindering someone, in dealing with current challenges.  For many, their religion provides a great source of comfort and strength, as they face their own death or that of a loved one. Others may feel frustration or disappointment in what their faith has to offer. These people may value the opportunity to re-visit their religious beliefs and discern, for themselves, what they choose to embrace or discard.

Tackling life's big questions

Nearness to death prompts many to reckon with some of life’s bigger questions: Is there meaning in my suffering?  Do I believe in an afterlife?  What is the value of my life? Still others are most concerned with a desire to grant or receive forgiveness before dying.  Our spiritual care coordinator is available to accompany patients as they engage in this important end-of-life work.

Sometimes, particularly when a patient is close to death, it is members of the family who desire spiritual support. If someone is on their deathbed, the family may like someone to come in to provide support and say a prayer. We are available to help with funeral arrangements and memorial services.

If you have any questions about our spiritual care program, please call Spiritual Care Coordinator Edie Reagan at 607-272-0212.