At Headwaters Hospice and Palliative Care, LLC, we’re often asked how spirituality affects hospice and palliative care. We believe that your spirituality and beliefs are a deeply personal experience. We do it because we C.A.R.E.
When someone has received a diagnosis of a chronic or terminal medical condition, or if they’re facing the end of life after opting to end curative medical treatment, spirituality naturally becomes a larger focus. Their philosophy may change, they may reflect more on the meaning of life, or they may desire to reconnect with the religious beliefs of their youth. It’s a uniquely personal journey that our patient care team supports.
We provide spiritual support through spiritual distress and offer guidance and insight to help you feel more at peace. Call us today to learn more about the spiritual component of our holistic hospice and palliative care services.
What Is Spiritual Distress In Palliative Or Hospice Care?
Spiritual distress is a common occurrence among people in hospice and palliative care. It usually starts with questioning long-held beliefs, the existence of God or other higher power/ deity, or worry that their actions may conflict with deeply held beliefs. Families, too, may be upset with a drastic change in their loved one or may feel ill-equipped to help their loved one through their struggles and pain.
We may help you connect with a hospice chaplain who can address your spiritual concerns or find a representative of another belief community who can answer your questions and ease your mind. Our services are offered in a judgmental manner, with respect for every patient’s beliefs. Our goal is to ease you through the spiritual crisis and help you feel more comfortable facing your last days.
Meeting Spiritual Needs Of Patients In Palliative And Hospice Care
We offer comprehensive spiritual support, meeting common needs like:
- Helping you effectively practice your religion, attend services, or receive in-home visitation
- Exploring your faith and connecting with others who share your beliefs
- Talking to you about what gives your life meaning and helps you enjoy meaningful experiences with family, friends, and those close to you
- Listening to you about how you wish to be remembered, including burial or funeral planning
- Offering forgiveness to others and reaching out to extend or ask for forgiveness
If you find yourself questioning your beliefs and wanting to learn more about other beliefs, we can connect you with a spiritual leader from your own faith or with leaders of different faiths. Our spiritual care team is specifically trained to provide emotional support, address your worries, and make you feel heard and respected.
Emotional Care And Support For Palliative Care Patients
Even the most stoic person may struggle emotionally after being diagnosed with a terminal disease or chronic illness. Families, too, struggle emotionally, facing the possibility of losing their loved one or worrying about being unable to take away a loved one’s pain.
You may wonder about the meaning of life or whether your life is important. Depression and anxiety are common among hospice and palliative care patients. Your family may be unable to provide the emotional support you need; let the Headwaters Hospice and Palliative Care team take the burdens off your shoulders.
We listen to you, soothe your worries, and offer insight to help you manage your emotions. We listen to your concerns and offer help as we can. Most of all, we treat you with dignity and respect—no judgment. Contact Headwaters Hospice and Palliative Care, LLC, today to learn more about our emotional and spiritual support services.