Monday, December 16, 2013

Spiritual Care Opens Pathways to Peace

By James “Jim” Andrews
Suncoast Hospice’s Director of Spiritual Care



Jim Andrews
One of the founding principles of the hospice movement is that caring for people faced with life-limiting illnesses requires attention to not only their medical needs but their psycho-social and spiritual needs as well. Suncoast Hospice is fortunate to have compassionate, highly-trained hospice chaplains dedicated to addressing those spiritual needs. 

I recently became the director of spiritual care for Suncoast Hospice. Before that, I served as one of our hospice chaplains for more than 12 years. It was a privilege and honor being a companion on the journeys of our patients and families.

One Man's Spiritual Pain

Whether you’re a religious person or not, facing a serious illness inherently brings up spiritual questions of meaning, purpose, comfort, forgiveness, relatedness and hope. I remember meeting one patient named "Connor" who lived inside a beautiful building in an exclusive part of town. The building's elevator had one stop on his floor and it opened in to his enormous, impeccably decorated home. I was greeted by a paid caregiver who took me back to the living room and introduced me to Connor. Before we finished shaking hands, Connor broke down in tears. 

We sat quietly together side by side on his couch, and after some time passed Connor was able to speak and share his story with me. On the surface, it sounded like the great American success story. He had started out selling door to door and over the years had worked his way up from regional sales manager to marketing vice president for an international corporation. He had more money than he knew what to do with and every creature comfort that his heart desired. Yet, he was filled with regret. 

Connor explained to me, “Jim, I spent my whole life chasing after the all-mighty dollar and I totally neglected what matters most in life.” I asked him what that was to him and he responded, “Faith, family and friends.”

He went on, “As a young man, I was very involved with my church and got a lot out of it. But I haven’t darkened the doorway of a church in decades. I cheated on my wife and never spent time with my children, so I’m estranged from all of them. I was always too concerned that my friends were just out for my money. So here I am facing the end of my life and there’s not a soul on the planet who really loves me and cares about what I’m going through.” 

Finding Peace Within

Connor faced some deep questions of faith, forgiveness and meaning, however with some support and guidance he was able to come to a sense of peaceful closure about his life and relationships. The chaplains and specially-trained volunteers of Suncoast Hospice and other hospices across the country provide a compassionate presence and a safe, gentle place for people to wrestle with their unanswered questions and pain in their souls. 

It’s an honor to work with our hospice’s incredible group of spiritual caregivers.

Are you or someone you love living with a serious illness?

Call us to find out about our services at 727-467-7423 or visit us online to request services.

*The patient's name was changed for privacy protection.

Tuesday, December 3, 2013

Volunteer Connects the Bereaved to Grief Support

Mary "Missy" Wolf
Mary “Missy” Wolf reaches out to support those who've had loved ones die in our care. As one of our bereavement support volunteers, Missy makes 12 to 15 calls monthly from her home to the bereaved six or nine months after the deaths. She finds out how they're doing and lets them know we're here to help.

“I love that Suncoast Hospice care is all inclusive helping patients and the families. A lot of times people want to talk after a death but others around them don’t want to talk about it. They may feel isolated or lost. We give them an open invitation to receive our grief support if they want to participate,” Missy said.

Missy works full time for a commercial realtor’s office and has children. She began her volunteer service with our Suncoast Hospice Foundation in 2004, including doing ambassador calls to thank donors and special events, which help support the care and services we provide. She then joined us doing patient and family support and bereavement support.

She makes many bereavement calls on weekends when she feels people are in more relaxed settings and may follow up with them during the week. She enjoys making that connection.

“Most people I speak with are so appreciative of the care their loved ones received from Suncoast Hospice and appreciate that I’ve called, even if they don’t feel they need any help at that time. I find it rewarding to check in with them so they know they’re not forgotten. After my mother died and having a baby, I didn’t really have the ability to talk to anyone professionally and I was left to deal with my grief alone. It’s nice for people to know that someone is going to call them and ask how things are going,” she said.

Interested in becoming a bereavement support volunteer? Submit an online volunteer application or call 727-586-4432.

Are you hurting from the loss of a family member or friend? Join us for support at our groups or workshops.