As restrictions on gathering becomes the new normal in the fight against COVID-19, we have seen concerts and sporting events put on hold. One of the most heartbreaking consequences of these necessary restrictions are limits on how many can attend a funeral.
One of the many duties of the chaplain in the healthcare system is to help patients and loved ones find a sense of peace in the time leading up to a patient’s transition. As medical care professionals, we encounter people from many different backgrounds and traditions.
physical symptoms like pain can be affected by the psychosocial influences on the patient. Psychosocial factors that may affect pain include things like marital status, social support, bereavement, home and work environment, social status, and social integration.
Cliff* is a 75-year-old male with leukemia receiving hospice care from Crossroads Hospice & Palliative Care. Cliff was raised in church. He describes a time when he was eight years old at a church worship service where he felt the very presence of God.
Physical pain at end of life is easy to recognize and the treatment plan is clear. However, when a patient is suffering from emotional or spiritual pain at end of life, treatment isn’t as easy as writing a prescription.
One of the fundamental beliefs of Crossroads Hospice & Palliative Care is that no one should die alone. When a patient begins to show signs and symptoms that death is approaching, our team begins what we call Evenmore Care. A staff member sits beside to support the patient and their family until they pass away.
