National Spiritual Care Week

Providing Patient-Centered, Whole-Person Care

At Cascade Health, spiritual care is a vital part of hospice, offering support that goes beyond physical needs. But what is spiritual care, exactly? As Kate Brassington, a chaplain with our hospice program, explains, it’s about addressing people’s need for meaning, purpose, and connection. "Spirituality," she says, "engenders transcendence and helps us construct a coherent worldview." It’s not limited to religious beliefs, but is instead a deeply human experience—one that’s essential as patients face end-of-life challenges.”

Spiritual Care is Specific to Your Journey

Cascade Health’s spiritual care services are highly individualized. After a patient is admitted to hospice, chaplains assess spiritual needs through one-on-one visits, meeting patients where they are—whether that’s at home or in a care facility. These visits vary widely depending on the patient’s background and concerns.

For some, spiritual care might involve traditional religious rituals like prayer, communion, or end-of-life blessings. For others, it’s about navigating personal struggles like guilt, regret, or fear. Karlene Clark, also a chaplain with Cascade Health, says, "The goal is helping people have the best possible death for them." And it’s not just for patients with religious beliefs. In fact, many patients who benefit most from spiritual care are not religious at all. "Spiritual care is for everyone," Karlene emphasizes. "It’s about facing the internal journey of dying."

Dispelling Myths About Spiritual Care

One of the biggest misconceptions about spiritual care, according to both chaplains, is that it’s only for people who are religious. Kate clarifies, "People often tell us they don’t need spiritual care because they’re 'not spiritual.' But all people are spiritual in the way we’re talking about—everyone seeks meaning, purpose, and connection."

Karlene adds that spiritual care is about more than religion and doesn’t have to be about it at all—it’s about addressing the internal, emotional and existential struggles people face at the end of life. This care often involves helping people reconcile with themselves and others, and finding peace in their final days.

Another myth is that chaplains are like pastors or ministers, coming on behalf of a church. "We’re not there on behalf of any religion," Kate says. "Our role is to support patients in finding their own answers, guided by their values—not ours." That misconception is harmful not only because it’s untrue but because it can be a barrier to care. “People often decline visits from Spiritual Care completely because of it,” she says. “It’s totally fine if someone doesn’t want spiritual care, but I worry that folks who would actually benefit a great deal from our care are missing out on it because of a misunderstanding.”

Moments of Connection

One of the most meaningful aspects of being a chaplain is the deep connections made with patients. Karlene recalls a particularly moving experience with a patient dying of cancer. He carried immense guilt over a friend’s death years earlier and feared judgment as he neared the end of his life. Through their conversations, Karlene helped him come to terms with his guilt and find forgiveness within the context of his own faith. "He shed tears of relief and gratitude," she recalls. The very next day, he passed away in peace. "It was such a gift to help alleviate his spiritual pain in his final hours."

Kate also finds joy in the vulnerability and openness that patients often show. "When death is close, people get really real," she says. "It’s such a beautiful thing to witness. I see people’s hearts, their hopes, fears, and regrets—it reminds me that people are good, deep down."

Take the First Step

If you or a loved one are receiving hospice services and uncertain about spiritual care, don’t hesitate to try it. As Kate encourages, "You don’t have to have all the answers. We’re here to walk alongside you, wherever your path leads."

During National Spiritual Care Week, Cascade Health celebrates the compassionate work of its spiritual care team—dedicated to helping people find peace, comfort, and connection at the end of life. Whether through resolving inner conflicts, offering religious rituals, or simply being a comforting presence, spiritual care is an essential part of whole-person care.