The spiritual needs of patients and families and the process of grieving are intimately tied together. Hospice of the Chesapeake meets individuals where they are on their unique spiritual journeys.

We provide:

• Spiritual support wherever the patient calls home -- a home, nursing home, assisted living facility or at one of our hospice houses;
• Non-denominational ministry of support and presence; and
• Trained spiritual caregivers who encompass a variety of faith traditions.

Our chaplains are trained and experienced spiritual caregivers who understand the value of providing a ministry of presence to patients and their loved ones. They participate as supportive witnesses to the sacred journeys of patients and family members in times of transition by:

• Assessing and offering the appropriate spiritual support such as prayer, scripture reading or other practices requested; and
• Providing alternative healing modalities such as Reiki and Healing Touch, which provide comfort and support to persons in moments of need.

Spiritual caregivers, also known as vigil volunteers, are trained to provide comfort and spiritual support to patients and family members. Vigil volunteers provide:

• Unequivocal spiritual support to patients regardless of culture or faith tradition;
• Comfort for issues that arise in times of crisis and extreme stress; and
• A warm heart and open mind. They are trained in introductory conversational prompts such as reframing, paraphrasing and open-ended questioning in order to facilitate patients' emotional discussions.