By Amy DuBois Elizabeth On another visit, I went along as James*, a Hospice chaplain, met with Elizabeth*, a cheerful patient living in a nursing home. I followed James as he navigates the maze of hallways in the nursing home with remarkable proficiency, stopping to greet each of the patients that he recognizes along the way. When [...]

By Amy DuBois Editor’s Note: An important aspect of hospice care is the spiritual support provided to patients. Hospice chaplains are professional clergy who are well-versed in the spiritual needs of both patients and families going through the end-of-life experience. If desired by the patient, they provide support based on the patient’s personal beliefs, no matter [...]

By Mary Lou Dahms As I was checking out at a local retail store last week, the clerk noticed my Hospice nametag. She commented that her daughter would probably be calling us in the near future because her husband (the clerk’s son-in-law) was very ill. They had recently returned from the University of Minnesota where [...]

 By Connie DeKrey, Bereavement Specialist Ordinarily, we think of the holidays as a busy, joyous time. But when one is grieving the death of someone beloved, there is nothing “ordinary” about it.  Holidays are typically filled with memories and reflection, so it is not surprising that the longing we may feel for that absent loved [...]