At first, your main concern may be pain–you and your loved one place value on the quality of life, which means undergoing the final transition of life in dignity and peace. 

But there is also a peace that comes from areas outside the physical. At 3HC, we recognize that our patients and their families often have spiritual needs that accompany this point in life’s journey. 

When you feel overwhelmed, anxious, or have questions, hospice spiritual care can make the difference. We’ll review how our chaplains address your emotional needs during this time, and how they make the experience meaningful and compassionate. 

What Is a Hospice Pastor Called?

A hospice pastor is called a chaplain. Even though chaplains are important members of the hospice team, we want to emphasize that hospice is not religiously affiliated. No matter what your religion (or if you do not adhere to a religion), our goal is to provide hospice spiritual care that brings comfort, meaning, and someone who will listen during a time that can be both reflective and exhausting.

Our chaplains have extensive training and are sensitive to the religious and spiritual diversity that exists among patients and families.

What Is the Role of a Hospice Chaplain and How Can They Help Me?

Hospice chaplains help both the hospice patient and their families and loved ones. So whether you’re going into hospice care or someone you love is, we recognize that spiritual care is important. 

How can they help you?

How Can Hospice Spiritual Care Help Me If I’m a Patient?

As you approach this stage of your life journey, emotions can overwhelm you. You may feel guilty over things you have or have not done. You may be angry that your life is being robbed by an illness. In addition, you could question the purpose of your life.

You may even need someone to walk through what you believe will happen after death. In many instances, spiritual care is an effective means of coping with challenges. 

With spiritual care, we’ll guide you through these questions–and remind you that your life has meaning. Hospice spiritual care does not promote any one faith tradition and even those who are not necessarily religious can find comfort in speaking with someone who understands how challenging this time of life can be. 

They may help you by:

• Listening to your concerns and needs
• Guiding you through meditation, prayer, and any other spiritual practices tailored to your personal beliefs
• Providing sacraments and leading rituals if those are important to you

How Can Hospice Spiritual Care Help Me If I’m a Friend or Family Member of a Hospice Patient?

At 3HC, we treat you like family. Therefore, we realize that “family” is a term that extends to include friends, neighbors, and coworkers. 

When someone you love is in hospice, it affects the entire family. In many cases, you may be struggling with ways to have end-of-life conversations or even resolve difficulties. But it can also be a celebration of life, walking through precious memories of times you’ve spent together. 

Our hospice chaplain can help facilitate those conversations and provide comfort to you as you travel this road with someone dear to you. They can also provide resources on grief care, a service we offer to those who have lost someone. 

3HC Provides Hospice Spiritual Care for You and Your Family

We respect the diverse cultures and belief systems that exist across North Carolina, and our hospice chaplains are here to help you and your loved one navigate the complicated emotions that accompany this stage of life’s journey.

We’ll always provide a listening ear, access to grief care, and a level of compassion that shows we treat you like family. 

Not sure what care is right? We’ve created a simple way to discover the right care for you or your loved one.