B is for Belief System - ABC's of Inspired Hospice Volunteers

Belief System can refer to life stance, religion, world view, philosophy or ideology. Think of people you have known throughout your life and you will see that one’s belief system can be a most powerful asset or worst liability. It is made up of a set of core values, on which we tend to base our actions, words and beliefs. It defines us and molds us throughout our lives.
This month we want to focus on the spiritual side of belief systems.

In the medical world, there is little to no room for anything but hard science. In hospice however, we see that anyone giving care to a dying person finds that even the most ordinary things can take on a spiritual nature. Spiritual support is an integral part of a patient’s care.

How can we as volunteers help provide that spiritual support without overstepping bounds?

First, we must respond to patients from their own backgrounds. To do that, we must learn what their background is. Most everyone loves to talk about themselves and this is especially important to someone who is dying as it allows them a bit of a life review as they process the fact that they are indeed at the end of their life. As you get to know a new patient, you can ask gentle questions that give them an avenue to discuss their belief system if they choose. They have to know that you are interested in a non-judgmental way. Recording a patient’s life history, will also likely bring their spiritual beliefs to the forefront.

Once we know what a patient’s background or belief system is, we can be there with them in that place.

It is so important that we never impose our own personal beliefs on patients or families. This can be a delicate thing when we wish to bring them comfort in times of grief, but what succors us may not console another.

Spiritually, everyone has a belief system, even if it is simply that they have no belief in a power higher than themselves. Those that have no higher power can be the hardest to support.

The most gut-wrenching funeral I ever attended was my husband’s grandmother’s in East Berlin not long after the wall fell. Denied freedom of belief system, or religion for so many decades, the young people in the family thought death was simply the end and that they had no hope of seeing her again. They were absolutely devastated by her passing.

We are blessed to live in a time and place where people are allowed the freedom to believe how they wish. We must not do anything to take this freedom away from others.

It is a tragic thing to witness someone in the depths of despair, but all we can do is be with them in their grief and keep the channels of communication open should they desire to explore other ideas.

We have awesome chaplains available to help with patients who are struggling spiritually. Perceptive volunteers will let the staff know when needs are apparent. That’s Inspiration!