Frequently Asked Questions

What is "spiritual care"?
Why should all members of health care teams be familiar with spiritual care?
Can I offer spiritual care without intruding on the patient's own belief?

What is "spiritual care"? Is "spiritual" synonymous with "religious"?

The word "spiritual" refers to the domain of human existence which lies beyond the material--the aspects of life which give a sense of meaning, connection, integrity and hope. The spiritual domain includes religion, because some draw their sense of connection and meaning from a belief in God or a higher, absolute truth, and religious practices such as prayer, meditation, and purification. At the same time, those who are not affiliated with a formal religion (especially those ill, dying or bereaved), may still experience spiritual needs which are universal:

the wish to find a meaning in life, or a meaning in their suffering;
the need to feel a genuine connection with others;
the desire for the healing power of reconciliation;
or learning to give and receive an authentic, selfless love and compassion.

Why should all the members of a health care team become familiar with spiritual care?

An ill or dying person affiliated with a formal religion who expresses the need, should be connected with an ordained minister or rabbi from their own tradition. Alternatively, they may welcome a visit from a hospital or hospice chaplain who has gone through special training in pastoral care to prepare them to respond to a variety of spiritual or religious struggles. Yet patients, especially those hospitalized long periods or approaching the end of their life, need to have their spiritual pain recognized and addressed even when:

they have no formal religion
they decline a visit from a chaplain
their needs or anguish are not resolved with their own minister
they are quickly approaching death and there is insufficient time to bring a trained chaplain to their side.

Can I offer spiritual care without intruding on the patient's own belief (or lack of belief)?

Yes. Medical professionals, and friends of the ill or dying can offer appropriate aspects of spiritual care which are not specifically religious but which speak to basic human needs, such as:

love and affection
genuine, respectful dialogue
reviewing one's life and finding meaning
transforming suffering
extending or asking for forgiveness

When we have a daily spiritual practice, such as meditation, prayer, or reflection on scriptural texts, we can bring the inspiration, compassion or devotion which this practice awakens in our heart and mind to the bedside of the dying. We can continue to silently do our own meditation, invocation or prayer when we visit an ill or dying person. Then, without words, the confidence, fearless love and authentic presence we embody can imbue the environment with deep peace, blessings, and profound compassion and love.