Blog: Hospice Views
Stories from a Hospice Chaplain: Ann O'Shea
Crossroads Hospice Chaplain Ann O'Shea explains the importance of chaplaincy in patient care at end of life.
Five Essential Things to Say to a Dying Person
Sometimes in life, an unexpected loss can prevent us from saying the important things that need to be said to our loved ones before they pass. In these cases, we may be left with lifelong regrets, wondering things like “what if I had a chance to say goodbye?”
Signs and Symptoms of Spiritual Distress
Spirituality can be a great source of comfort. But when a person is facing a loss, physical and emotional pain, or other challenges, they may experience spiritual distress. Spiritual distress occurs when a person is no longer able to find meaning, peace, comfort, strength, or connection in life.
Picking a Fight with God: The Positives of Anger
“She will throw you out!” warned the nurse as I arrived to make my initial visit. As a hospice chaplain, I encounter many terminal patients who have spiritual pain. Gratefully, I was not thrown out of Mrs. Hope Deferred’s room, but she did shake her fist as I introduced myself. Not at me, but at “her God” whom she thought sent me. Her husband welcomed care for his dying wife and as the visit continued, I not only began to connect with Hope, more importantly, I started to understand her.
It’s OK to Live: Making the Most of the Time You Have
Even when a person is expecting it, a terminal diagnosis is a shocking thing to hear. It can take time to process – for the patient and their family and friends. Sadness and anger is a normal reaction. It’s also normal to want to make the most of all the time you have left.
MORE Great Content
1
2