SPIRITUAL CARE
"Spirituality and spiritual life are not religious departments, walled-off areas of life. Rather the spiritual life is the life of the whole person directed towards God."
                                                                                                                Kenneth Leech

What does "spiritual" mean?
The word "spiritual" can be used in a variety of ways. We understand spiritual life as each person’s unique experience of a power beyond himself or herself, a sense of order in the universe, a sense of purpose in living, and a sense of connection with everything. It also includes the organizing set of beliefs, values, hopes, and yearnings, by which each person makes sense of the frequently chaotic elements of life.

We at Laurens Hospice do not believe that spiritual concerns are only for those who are members of various religions. We believe that all people are spiritual, regardless of their specific religious affiliation or devotion. We believe that the spiritual life is most directly expressed and experienced in human connection, and that spiritual concerns are intertwined with every facet of our lives.

Spiritual dimensions of our lives often provide us with our most profound experiences of awe, wonder, joy, fulfillment, and unity. Spiritual dimensions may also express themselves in some of our most difficult experiences of fear, terror, guilt, and brokenness. All of these experiences are important and valid – and they shape our lives in many untold ways.
 

WHAT IS SPIRITUAL CARE?
During times of upheaval and change in life, we all may experience seasons of deep doubt and questioning. We may feel uprooted, set adrift, and utterly alone. Sometimes we respond with deep sadness, other times with numb silence, and still other times with rapid activity and an effort to prove to ourselves that we are still in control.

At this time of pending loss, you may be asking "Why me?" or "Where is God?" or "Why do good people like my friend suffer so much?" or "What will I leave behind as a memory of myself?" Beliefs that once made sense and sustained you seem no longer valid. The process of major change in life can stir up unusual feelings, dreams, and memories.

These experiences, if left unattended, can have long-standing effects on well-being. We at  Hospice of Laurens County are prepared to assist you and your loved ones as you seek to restore and rediscover a vibrant spiritual life.

Spiritual Care is offered for anyone involved in Laurens Hospice care: patients, family, partners, friends, and staff. It all begins with our belief that whenever we come face-to-face with another person, we encounter something holy – something sacred. You deserve our reverence and awe.

 
SERVICES
The People at Laurens Hospice provide a variety of programs for Spiritual Care, which can include the following:

Person-to-person support: a personal visit may be requested from our Spiritual Care Team. We are available for personal contact, counseling, companionship, or conversation.

Family concerns: relationships sometimes become strained in stressful life-situations. We will work in a sensitive and caring matter with each person and each situation.

Direct cooperation with local clergy: our Spiritual Care programs are not intended to replace your relationship with your local community of faith. We are willing and eager to work in close partnership with your clergy and provide referrals for local religious or spiritual groups.

Educational support groups: we provide a safe and supportive place for people to explore questions of meaning and purpose with each other, to learn from each other about ways to cope and heal, to learn various "spiritual disciplines," and to form new friendships.

Written resources: we have a library of materials available that can help you understand and follow your spiritual journey.

 
ELIGIBILITY
Any patient, family member, partner, friend, or caregiver of a hospice patient may ask for all hospice Spiritual Care services.