What Is a Hospice Chaplain?
A part of the overall hospice team, a hospice chaplain gives pastoral support to terminally ill patients and their families. Patients can go into hospice care when they are expected to die within six months. The chaplain is a vital member of the hospice team. Although he gives no medical care, he is trained to listen well and to be a comforting and supporting presence in a difficult time. Hospice Hospice is a well-known type of care in the United States. Hospice groups are specially trained to work with dying patients and their families to give support, physical help and comfort. A hospice team usually consists of nurses, aides, social workers and a chaplain. Role in the Hospice Team Using a combination of spirituality and psychology, the hospice chaplain is the team member responsible for the spiritual care of the dying patient and the family. Chaplains are nonjudgmental and make no distinctions for different denominations or cultures. Additionally, hospice chaplains help conduct work
