What is spiritual care?

Care of the human spirit is critical to health. It is the work of our entire staff. Chaplains, however, are specially-trained in human understanding, pastoral counseling, religious and cultural traditions. Chaplains are available to all Southern Maine Health Care patients and their loved ones. We provide a listening presence, guidance in mindfulness and prayer, support through decision-making, and help finding purpose and meaning.

What can I expect from a Chaplain?

Our chaplains provide emotional support and gentle spiritual guidance when people are:

• Feeling anxious, afraid or upset
• Struggling with emotional, spiritual or religious questions or with the meaning of an illness
• Wrestling with difficult treatment choices or ethical dilemmas
• Observing spiritual practices or religious rites
• Inviting your faith community leader
• Grieving
• Dealing with difficult news
• Preparing mindfully for surgery