Spiritual Care
Every person has a spiritual dimension – those non-material aspects
of life represented in our relationships with family, friends, or a greater
power, which provide meaning in our lives. These life values guide our
response to life-limiting illness. Some people express their spirituality
through religion, others do not. A person does not have to be religious,
or even believe in anything at all, to have spiritual concerns.
At Frederick Health Hospice, spiritual care refers to holistic dedication
to the psycho-social-spiritual growth and well-being of each person we
serve. We believe that spirituality:
- Is a broad concept that refers to the experience of, and search for, peace,
hope, and love.
- Can be defined as a complex and multidimensional part of the human experience
which helps individuals to search for meaning and purpose of life, comfort,
and support.
- Includes people who are religious and have connection to a faith tradition,
as well as people who do not perceive themselves to be religious at all.
- Encompasses our desire to maintain health and well-being, find healing,
or live our remaining days with dignity, respect, and peace.
Our chaplains are members of the hospice interdisciplinary team, so that
they can have the fullest understanding of each person they serve. They
are both men and women, and although we do have a spiritual care team
that includes a Catholic priest, a Rabbi, an Imam, a Buddhist, and a Protestant
minister, our chaplains are both clergy and laics. The ultimate role of
a chaplain is to provide spiritual support by discussing important issues
and questions, defining personal values and life meaning, and to yield
empathic companioning.
Interactions are at the core of our work in hospice care and remind us
that while this is a business based on science, it remains a practice
grounded in our humanness; in our hopes and fears, vulnerabilities, and
strengths. At the heart of all we do and hope to achieve in hospice care
we never overlook that we are simply human beings caring for human beings.
For more information or to reach out to our staff directly, please contact
our offices by calling (240) 566-3030.