Spirituality in the Hospice Setting

Abstract

Spirituality as it is manifested within the hospice setting is reviewed. Essentially, spirituality is inherent in all. It is deeply centred and assumes varying levels of importance in each individual's life. There appears to be a need within all of us to have a purpose in life and to make sense of life's events, never more so than when challenged by a life-threatening illness. This may be the first time that the reality of death comes into focus. The way we cope with life's personal traumas and tragedies is, for many, based upon a sound philosophy of belief or a belief in God or a supreme being. Essential to coping is the loving support of family, friends and caregivers. Caring is essentially spiritual in nature. An attempt will be made to assess how people faced with a terminal illness cope with and without a framework of religious beliefs.