Sara Swinson, Chaplain
Say the word “chaplain” and many people immediately think of Father Mulcahey from the television series “M*A*S*H”: A religious man with a collar and a cross. Put the word “hospice” in front of “chaplain” and people imagine someone with holy water prepared to perform Last Rites.
Often, patients and families only think “religion” when a chaplain calls to set up a visit. That is because spirituality is often confused with religion. To me, religion is often a communal collective in which a community of people find faith-based meaning. Spirituality is individual and personal. Religion is the structure which is informed by the spirituality. Spirituality is the spark that animates that structure.
Hospice chaplains are spiritual care providers. We offer a safe space for individuals to explore their personal hopes, fears, questions and concerns. We allow patients to reminisce so that they can review their lives and relationships. Our end goal is to help them find meaning and peace in their final days.
For many patients, religion is a part of that experience. With so many different religions, it is likely that a patient’s affiliation does not match that of their chaplain’s. It is our job to be a “linker.” If need, we can connect that person with members of their faith community. We have the knowledge and access to local resources to provide meaningful interventions to help them feel connected to their faith. We connect them to local pastors, imams, rabbis, priests, etc.
Finding out how to tend to a patient’s spirituality won’t necessarily be in a patient’s medical records. We have a lot to learn, often in a short time, so mostly we listen. We ask questions, and we listen. You are companioning them in a non-judgmental, compassionate way as they journey through the end of their days.
Some people say, “Why do I need a chaplain?” I respond, “Why do we need a sunset or a bouquet of flowers?” The spiritual care we provide can help enrich their journey, ease their pain and bring comfort and meaning. We can make your life journey sweeter and the load lighter.
Chaplains provide spiritual care to humans. Christians, Jews, Buddhists, Muslims, atheists, agnostics, we are all humans. We all need to feel cared for. We all need that human connection. I recall a patient, who was very direct about his atheism, wanted to meet with me. He had a lot to share and explore. To him, I was a compassionate, nonjudgmental presence who made a space for him to share his feelings and his opinions.
Consider hospice chaplains as spiritual cheerleaders. We hope that by listening to and acknowledging a patient’s life story we can bring joy to their heart at an often scary time. I had one patient who was in her final hours of life. I went to see her for one last time and something I said just struck her as very funny. She started laughing hysterically. She said to me, “I can’t believe I’m laughing on my death bed.”
I’ll never forget her face at that moment. It was such a sweet, sweet, joyful way to transition. It was a privilege for me to know her and to be there.
