Social workers and therapists are available to provide support and counseling to family members and patients. Volunteers are available to read to patients, assist with personal care, run errands, help with light housework, and relieve caregivers for short periods of time. Spiritual leaders offer spiritual counseling and support to patients and their families. Because religious beliefs differ from person to person, spiritual care is personalized to meet each individual's needs. Typically, hospice organizations have a number of spiritual leaders with different religious backgrounds who are available to offer counseling and support to patients and family members.
Many people prefer to receive spiritual counseling from their own pastor, minister, or rabbi.
A hospice nurse or social worker can arrange this. A good time to discuss hospice is when you and your physician are talking about your treatment options. There is nothing wrong with discussing hospice as an option even if your illness is still responding to treatment. Arrange for an introductory visit with a hospice professional, through your physician. That way you and your family will know what to expect when and if you decide to enter a hospice program.