Services: Chaplain Services
Hospice Chaplains are concerned with the whole person. There is a growing awareness in the health care professions that there is an interdependence of mind, body, and spirit. The chaplains are aware of these three components and are concerned primarily with the spiritual dimension. The major focus of the chaplains is to tap the resident’s spiritual resources to promote peace of mind and establish emotional stability.
Hospice Chaplains provide guidelines for appropriate assessment and provision of service to meet the needs of patients and their families/caregivers. Chaplains also develop an individualized spiritual/pastoral care plan which encompasses providing direct support and coordinating services utilizing local clergy and individuals. Chaplains also conduct religious services of prayer/worship for the patients and family as requested. Chaplains also attend interdisciplinary group meetings and work in a team approach to evaluate patient and family/caregiver response to care and resolution of any ethical issues.
Hospice Chaplains also provide bereavement services as well. Chaplains will provide bereavement services for up to 13 months after the patient’s death to surviving family/caregiving members. The hospice bereavement plan of care is developed based on an assessment of the patient and family/caregiver needs at the time of admission, during the course of care, and at the time of the patient’s death. The chaplain reviews the assessment to determine the potential needs of the survivor. After the death occurs, the chaplain will complete the bereavement follow-up assessment and develop a plan of intervention based on the findings of the assessment.
Chaplains also conduct an annual memorial service for all of the patient’s family/caregivers who have lost a loved one over the course of the year. | 
