Frequently Asked Questions About Spiritual Care
Our team of dedicated chaplains offer services sensitive to the spiritual needs of those facing a life-limiting illness. Spiritual care staff will work closely with the family’s clergy or other support systems. Click here for frequently asked questions about spiritual care.

What is spiritual care?
Spiritual care is designed to help patients and their families find meaning and purpose during this significant period in their lives. Chaplains, as spiritual caregivers, can provide opportunities for support, growth and presence to assist patients and their families throughout their time in hospice care.

What is a hospice chaplain?
The chaplain is an integral part of the hospice’s interdisciplinary team. He or she is experienced in hospice and palliative care, appropriately educated, and trained to serve as a spiritual caregiver.

What religion does the chaplain represent?
Hospice chaplains are of varied religions and denominations. They are ordained, endorsed, or commissioned by their particular faith bodies. Due to their expertise and skills, they provide spiritual care with respect for each individual’s unique situation and needs.

I am not a religious person, how can a chaplain help me?
The chaplain provides assistance to patients and families desiring support, whether or not they are affiliated with any particular faith or local faith community. The patient and his or her belief system are treated with dignity and respect. The chaplain will collaborate with the patient in order to provide appropriate support.

If I am connected to my own faith community, how can a chaplain help me?
Chaplains honor the previously existing relationships with the patient’s clergy and faith community. Upon request the chaplain will consult with them to more fully meet the patient’s needs. When desired, the chaplain may also assist local clergy in providing the specialized care that hospice patients and their loved ones need or desire. If the patient requests, the chaplain will provide or arrange for the provision of religious practices and rituals appropriate to a patient’s faith such as: Communion, Prayer, Anointing, and Sacrament of the Sick.

When will the chaplain visit?
Chaplains will initially contact the patient or his or her family by phone within seventy-two hours of admission to hospice. At that time a visit date will be established at the patient’s convenience. Future visits will be arranged as needed.

Is the chaplain available for my family?
Most spiritual care services available to the patient are also available to the patient’s family and caregivers.

Do chaplains charge for their services?
There is never any charge for spiritual care services.

How can I reach the chaplain?
Chaplains can be reached twenty-four hours a day. An on-call chaplain is available for emergencies during evening and week-end hours. Please call (800) 561-4883.