Fact or Fiction: The Real Work of Hospice Chaplains, Heartbeat Episode 241

No one on the hospice team is more misunderstood than the chaplain.  Today we’re clearing up myths about hospice spiritual counselors.  Lots of people think spiritual counselors (commonly called chaplains) are there to convert or change faith beliefs. That could not be further from the truth.  The role of the hospice spiritual counselor is to support seriously ill patients and their families in whatever spiritual beliefs they have.  Regardless of what the personal faith system of the chaplain is, the chaplain can provide spiritual care for a wide variety of faiths - Jewish, Buddhist, Muslim, Hindu, Christian, wicken, atheist, agnostic, or non-theistic.  If you’re receiving hospice services and there is talk of converting or saving you, that is NOT the kind of spiritual care service you’re supposed to be receiving.  Your faith beliefs are what matters.  Spiritual counselors are not there to judge you or change what you believe. Chaplains facilitate life review and help with legacy projects or funeral planning.  Spiritual care should always be respectful, nonjudgmental, and accepting.  It’s important to know your rights as a seriously ill patient and family.  Listen to more of our Fact and Fiction series to find out more about the roles of every person on the hospice interdisciplinary team. The Heart of Hospice is here to make your end of life journey easier.  Check out our info on advance care planning, self care, and hospice philosophy.  Your journey matters.  The Heart of Hospice is here to help.  You are The Heart of Hospice.