Grief Support

Spiritual & Bereavement Support

Good Samaritan believes that dying is more than a biological process; it is also a sacred journey in which patients and families draw upon their faith and seek spiritual ways of dealing with end-of-life concerns.  Spiritual care services are designed to meet the personal needs of all patients and caregivers, regardless of individual faiths or beliefs.  At Good Sam, the goal of spiritual care is to discover, respect and utilize the patient’s culture and personal beliefs in order to assist them in achieving a spiritually peaceful death.  

Good Sam’s chaplains practice respect, openness and acceptance.  We believe that authentic spiritual care takes place in relationships of respect, trust and honesty in ways that enhance wholeness and well-being.  Spiritual services may include elements of spiritual counseling through active and non-judgmental listening, rituals such as scripture reading, prayer, meditation, music, reminiscence, anointing, baptism, blessings, memorial services and more.

Upon admission to hospice care, the patient will be asked if a chaplain visit would be helpful.  Spiritual care is an optional support service and no pressure is placed upon patients or families to receive these services.  However, if elected, patients can rest assured that Good Sam’s chaplains work in collaboration with the diverse and rich spiritual traditions of the patients and caregivers we serve.

Bereavement Care

Following a death, Good Sam’s bereavement coordinator contacts the family and offers grief support for up to a year after the loss. This care may be in the form of visits, phone calls, letters or support groups, and is intended to be a continued help and presence for grieving loved ones. Good Sam also has a tradition of leadership through community outreach and education in the areas of end-of-life and bereavement care.