Patients and families need spiritual support when struck with terminal illness. This is where the role of a chaplain becomes very vital. Regardless of religious backgrounds, people going through trials will have that natural inclination to want to understand their situation, how to deal with is spiritually, and even wanting to prepare for their end-of-life like confessing their sins. The chaplains provide this kind of support that patients need as they try to give answers, spiritual guidance and counseling to the patient and family especially during very difficult and desperate times.
Chaplains, regardless of religious background, will help patients and families gain the proper perspective concerning life, sickness, and even death that will help them deal with stress and depression. They will help the patients find spiritual comfort despite their condition and help loved ones find peace and rest in such stressing times. Aside from counseling, chaplains will also provide spiritual services in terms of prayer interventions and accommodate visit requests from patients. Lastly, chaplains will help handle arrangements on religious practices like mass or services during the patient’s funeral.