This book examines the services that chaplains provide to dying patients and the unique relationship that palliative care staff construct with people at the end of life. It explores the nature of hope when faced with the inevitable and develops a theory of spiritual care rooted in relationship that has implications for all healthcare professionals.
Holistic models of cancer and palliative care frequently refer to spirituality as an important element. But what do we mean when we talk about spirituality and how do we provide spiritual care? This book sets out an understanding of this complex domain, describing how spirituality is experienced and expressed, and looks at the impact of terminal illness. The author argues that if we are to recognize spirituality as a significant aspect of living and dying then care providers must develop an interesting, consistent and effective approach. Therefore issues of training, policy and practice all need to be addressed. Spirituality is often represented as the fourth pillar of palliative care, and yet it is often the least developed area in terms of both theory and practice. Originating from the author's clinical and teaching experience, this book aims to explore the concepts, issues and practical implications of spirituality in care.
At times we may be called to be companions on a journey we would rather not take--the journey of a loved one toward the end of life. For those who choose to serve as close companions of terminally ill relatives or friends, Parting offers the collective wisdom of people from many cultures and faith traditions as a "travel guide" for meaningful companionship--helping someone toward a peaceful transition from this life. Sections of the book discuss how to cross the bridge from ordinary conversation to spiritual reflection; how to provide comforts for the body, mind, and soul; and how to care for yourself while concentrating on the needs of another. Transcending any specific religion or culture, this handbook addresses universal spiritual needs. Designed for easy reading by weary travelers, this practical, pocket-sized guide prepares the spiritual companion for an enriching experience, even on the journey toward life's end. It is an indispensable tool for family members and friends, hospice workers, religious leaders, counselors, and medical providers.
Oftentimes caregivers, friends, and family are unsure of what to say and what to do to comfort the sick and the dying. Midwife for Souls provides specific Catholic insight and highlights the power of prayer as a guide. This best-selling book has been revised to include a new section of inspiring stories and lessons learned in hospice ministry.
Peaceful Journeyexamines the spiritual issues facing terminally ill patients and their families. Each chapter introduces the reader to a person with a spiritual issue that needs immediate attention.The book opens with the story of an 85-year-old African-American woman who wonders if God hears her prayers. Other chapters explore loneliness, isolation, the dignity and value of every human being, honesty and openness, patience and persistence, why pain and suffering exist, the actual death and the soul's journey, and the importance of dreams, visions, and other end-of-life phenomena.The author graduated from Christ the Savior Russian Orthodox Seminary with a B.Th. and from the Catholic University of America with a M.A. in theology. He began working with the terminally ill in 1991 as a theology student.After his ordination to the priesthood in 1994, he began to provide spiritual care for his parishoners as well as hospice patients. He is now the Pastoral Care Coordinator and Bereavement Coordinator at Hospice of the Finger Lakes in Auburn, NY.For additional information about the author go to: www.matthewpbinkewicz.com
The true adventures of Judy Hilyard, RN, as she travels to the Afterlife in joyful service to others and education of self. Judy recounts her experiences of living life as an Anam Aira, a soul companion, for those who have died or are in the final stages of dying.
Soul Midwives, a movement begun by Felicity Warner, has changed the face of modern holistic and spiritual palliative care in the UK and abroad.Soul Midwives are holistic and spiritual companions to the dying. They draw on traditional skills, now largely forgotten, applying them to our modern world to ease the passage of those who are dying. Their services are used within people's own homes, in hospices and in care homes.Anyone with an open and compassionate heart and a desire to help others can train to become a Soul Midwife. This book will guide you through the core principles and techniques of this practice.
"A poetic and philosophical and brave and uplifting meditation on how important it is to make peace and meaning of our lives while we still have them.” –Elizabeth Gilbert, bestselling author of Eat Pray Love "Illuminating, unflinching and ultimately inspiring... A book to treasure.” –People Magazine A hospice chaplain passes on wisdom on giving meaning to life, from those taking leave of it. As a hospice chaplain, Kerry Egan didn’t offer sermons or prayers, unless they were requested; in fact, she found, the dying rarely want to talk about God, at least not overtly. Instead, she discovered she’d been granted a powerful chance to witness firsthand what she calls the “spiritual work of dying”—the work of finding or making meaning of one’s life, the experiences it’s contained and the people who have touched it, the betrayals, wounds, unfinished business, and unrealized dreams. Instead of talking, she mainly listened: to stories of hope and regret, shame and pride, mystery and revelation and secrets held too long. Most of all, though, she listened as her patients talked about love—love for their children and partners and friends; love they didn’t know how to offer; love they gave unconditionally; love they, sometimes belatedly, learned to grant themselves. This isn’t a book about dying—it’s a book about living. And Egan isn’t just passively bearing witness to these stories. An emergency procedure during the birth of her first child left her physically whole but emotionally and spiritually adrift. Her work as a hospice chaplain healed her, from a brokenness she came to see we all share. Each of her patients taught her something about what matters in the end—how to find courage in the face of fear or the strength to make amends; how to be profoundly compassionate and fiercely empathetic; how to see the world in grays instead of black and white. In this hopeful, moving, and beautiful book, she passes along all their precious and necessary gifts.
Told through the eyes and heart of an interfaith hospice chaplain, The Three Regrets shares stories of remarkable men and women who have struggled with regrets. Some harbored them until the very end. Others embraced them as opportunities to resolve their regrets and live life fully... celebrating strength, the power of choice, and peace.
