Role of Chaplains
Spiritual care is an essential part of care. Chaplains are specialists in spiritual care, however it’s the aim of all staff to ensure the spiritual needs of the children, young people and their families are met.
Chaplains are available in hospitals across the NHS & across CHAS and can provide:
- A safe place to talk
- A listening ear
- Companionship on the journey
- Prayer for you and those you love
- Help contacting faith and community groups
- Help planning funerals
- Bereavement support
What is Spirituality?
Spirituality means different things to different people. Religion and faith might be part of someone’s spirituality, but spirituality isn’t always religious. Everyone has spiritual needs throughout their lives whether they follow a religion or not.
You may be struggling with big questions and need help to explore and make sense of what’s happening. Spiritual care from a paediatric palliative perspective is about journeying with families as you explore what’s important to you. It’s about working with professionals to explore and hold on to hope and to have time with them to listen without the need to fix.
Looking after a child with a terminal illness can causes people to think about death, loss and grief differently. Some people may want to reflect on the meaning of their life, perhaps more so than at any other time in their life.
What is Spiritual Wellbeing
Spiritual practice, including religion, may become more important as your child approaches the end of life phase.
Spiritual needs are connected to physical, emotional and social needs too. Studies have suggested that spiritual wellbeing may affect suffering at the end of life. Spiritual assessment and care are therefore very important when caring for a child who is approaching the end of their life.
Spiritual wellbeing is often described as feeling at peace.
What is Spiritual Distress?
Spiritual distress, or spiritual pain or suffering can happen when people are unable to find sources of meaning, hope, love, peace, comfort, strength and connection in their life. This distress can also affect physical and mental health. Terminal illness can cause spiritual distress in the sick child or young person as well as their family and friends.
Someone might be in spiritual distress or spiritual pain if they are:
- Searching for meaning, for example asking questions such as ‘Why is this happening?’, ‘Why me?’, ‘Who am I?’ and ‘How will I be remembered?’
- Becoming more withdrawn and isolated
- Afraid of being alone
- Refusing care
- Saying they feel scared or worried.