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How palliative care can help with spiritual concerns

Healthwise
By Jeannette Curtis

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Your palliative care team may include a spiritual advisor or chaplain. Spiritual advisors can help you with questions that do not have clear answers. It does not matter what your spirituality or religion is. Your beliefs will be honored and respected.

You may want to talk to a spiritual advisor about:

  • The meaning of your life.
  • Ways to find hope and to celebrate your life.
  • Questions such as “What have I accomplished?”, “Why now?”, or “Why me?”
  • Your ideas or beliefs about death.
  • Your faith community.
  • Your wishes or plans for your memorial or funeral.

Spiritual advisors can be a great source of comfort for you and your loved ones, both during your illness and after you are gone.

If you are interested in talking to a spiritual advisor, be sure to tell your doctor.

Credits

Author Jeannette Curtis
Editor Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA
Associate Editor Denele Ivins
Associate Editor Pat Truman, MATC
Primary Medical Reviewer Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine
Specialist Medical Reviewer Shelly R. Garone, MD - Palliative Care
Last Updated December 27, 2007
Last Updated: 12/27/2007