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How Palliative Care Can Help With Spiritual Concerns

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 during your illness. They can also be there for your family and friends if you die.

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

By Healthwise Staff
Primary Medical Reviewer Anne C. Poinier, MD - Internal Medicine
Specialist Medical Reviewer Shelly R. Garone, MD, FACP - Palliative Medicine
Last Revised December 29, 2011

Last Revised: December 29, 2011

Author: Healthwise Staff

Medical Review: Anne C. Poinier, MD - Internal Medicine & Shelly R. Garone, MD, FACP - Palliative Medicine

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