Ever wonder what a chaplain does? As you learn more about what to expect with Hospice Care of Southwest Michigan, you’ll find a pervasive theme of caring. This is true with our chaplains, one of which is assigned to you at the start of your hospice experience. You don’t need to be religious to benefit from the chaplain’s visit. These can be arranged as in-person, telephone, or video chat. They’ll visit you at home, in a long term facility or a specialized care facility.
Spirituality is very personal.
Your spirituality is unique. Religion can be discussed if you wish. In fact, you choose what you need. It may be that you just need to talk to someone outside of your family. Depression, sadness, maybe an unresolved relationship are on your mind, the chaplain is there to listen.
An expert listener.
You are facing decisions you may or may not have already addressed with your family. You may be wondering “why me”. You may be angry. So many emotions are present and it’s very difficult to sort through them. The chaplain is someone that can help you by listening to your needs and the needs of your family members.
Certified and endorsed.
Our chaplains have a Clinical Pastoral Education, typically a Masters of Divinity and certified by the Board Association of Professional Chaplains which requires them to be endorsed by a church or denomination. If you have baptism requests or communion needs, your chaplain can coordinate those needs and more. The chaplain is there for all your religious needs.
So what can you expect from a Chaplain?
Chaplains have a great understanding that a person’s spirituality is unique and individualized. They’re not there to judge or proselytize. They’re there as a non-biased listener and can offer you religious services if wanted. They can help arrange for other religious professionals to become involved if you wish. You can expect compassion and caring for your needs. The most important thing is that your time before the end of your life will be as comfortable and meaningful as possible.
Our Mission is to guide and support individuals and their caregivers coping with illness, aging, dying, and loss by providing compassionate medical, emotional, spiritual, and personal care.
