Emotional & Spiritual Support
Dying is a deeply spiritual experience and emotional or spiritual pain is often the primary source of suffering for people approaching death. When not addressed, this suffering can increase physical pain, anxiety, and other distressing symptoms of dying. Hospice of Southern Maine's interfaith chaplains and social workers are skilled at supporting and guiding interested patients in the exploration of spirit, what it might mean to live well at this point in life, and the possibility of healing relationships.
Chaplain Services
Chaplains at Hospice of Southern Maine provide spiritual support to patients, their families and caregivers. Our chaplains bring no spiritual or religious "agenda." They offer an open, giving relationship outside the clinical medical routine. For some patients, the chaplain can help ease the social isolation of this life stage. The chaplain also provides support and counsel to staff members of Hospice of Southern Maine.
Services provided by Hospice of Southern Maine chaplains are varied and adaptable to circumstances. The chaplain offers a calm spiritual presence through companionship, prayers, friendship, and a listening heart. They are a reminder of the spiritual dimension of our lives, of God, of the Divine—or whatever name is preferred to indicate a higher power or being—and are respectful of the patient's belief system (or lack thereof). The chaplain listens without judgment, and if possible, helps guide patients to life acceptance and spiritual peace.
The Process
Chaplain visits are optional and can be one-to-one with patients and/or with family. The frequency of visits is determined after an initial visit between the patient and chaplain, and in keeping with the plan of care.
For more information on Hospice of Southern Maine's spiritual support services, please call (207) 289-3640.
Social Worker Assistance
End of life can bring up strong emotions, both for patients and their families and loved ones. When someone is sick, the whole family—however that is defined—is affected, and social workers at Hospice of Southern Maine are available to provide emotional support for all involved. Social workers might meet one-on-one with a caregiver or patient, or facilitate a family meeting. They listen deeply, offer presence, companionship, and reassurance, and assist patients and loved ones in navigating this final stage of life.
Social workers also help families access needed resources and manage the paperwork associated with end of life. This can include:
helping complete financial aid applications and power of attorney forms
assisting patients and families to access veterans' and other benefits
arranging patient placement in nursing facilities if that’s wanted
identifying funeral homes
The Process
Social worker visits are optional. At the first visit, the social worker typically completes an assessment to learn more about the patient's life - past and present, who they are as people, how they have lived, and what is important to them. Together, the social worker and the patient and family decide on goals and how often they will meet.