The questions this episode addresses include.
1. How has the covid-19 pandemic affected you?
2. How has the pandemic affected the practice of hospice chaplaincy?
3. Where do you see hospice Chaplaincy going after Covid?
4. How does staff support look like in this time?
5. A talk about helping those who are spiritual not religious and also those who are atheist.
6. Boundaries in Hospice Chaplaincy. Where to draw the line. It’s important to care about our work, but equally important to know when to back away
In her capacity as Clinical Director, Aracely has counseled many patients suffering from incurable and progressive or terminal illnesses and their families about end of life options and choices.
In today’s episode, we talk to our guest about his journey to Hospice Chaplaincy. On the job, Hospice chaplains have no scripts to follow or party tricks to employ. They learn to meet tragedy with humility and an open mind.
Bruce is also an author. He writes books and study guides for his teaching ministry. His latest book is titled Get Out of Jail Free: Breaking Out of Legalism. This book has proven to be very meaningful for people who have been exposed to legalistic teaching and helps them find liberty in their experience as a Christian. You can learn more about Bruce at: http://www.brucegministries.com
Derrick is very passionate and loves the chaplaincy. Derrick’s life experiences have taught him, the importance of listening and meeting people right where they are with no judgments, but compassion and acceptance. He believes chaplaincy is a calling, not a job.
While working for the military as a DOD Contractor, she was approached by an active duty chaplain and asked if she wanted to become active duty chaplain. This led to her pursing her chaplaincy career. Although she did not go to active duty, she fulfilled all her requirements to become an active duty chaplain and mentored under the Air Force chaplains for 5 years and 2 years under an Army chaplain.
Rev. Renshin Bunce is a California native, she began her meditation practice in midlife years, propelled by yearning for a peaceful mind. In 1994 she met her first teacher, Myōgen Steve Stücky, and received lay ordination with him at Dharma Eye Zen Center in 1996. In 2002 Renshin moved to Tassajara Zen Mountain Center monastery where she lived and practiced for three years. In 2003 she received priest ordination from Zenkei Blanche Hartman, returned to Tassajara in 2008 to be Shuso (head student) with Myōgen, and received dharma transmission from him in 2013. In 2014 Renshin published an account of her journey of home-leaving in a Tassajara memoir: Entering the Monastery.
Renshin’s new book, Love and Fear: Stories from a Hospice Chaplain: is a series of stories about people she has met while she learns that every death is different, and there are no universal rules or easy answers in hospice care. Through the telling of these stories Renshin shows what’s possible, allowing the reader to learn along with her as she continues to ask, What am I supposed to do? What is help? What is it to be human? You can order the book on amazon or https://www.renshinbunce.com/
While others might avoid elder care issues at every turn, Dr. Marion has made caring for the elderly her life’s work. She loves her work and it shows. “If an individual has lived to be 90 years old, they must have some real skills and smarts to get their needs met in life. It’s vital we tap into the wisdom, strength, and life strategies of the elderly before they pass on.”
Therefore, Ashley’s team is there to help the patient and family as they struggle to adjust to the reality they’re facing. Their primary responsibility is to the patient and making sure their wishes are honored. These wishes aren’t always in accordance with the family’s wishes. They must maintain a focus on the patient’s preferences and respecting their autonomy while at the same time supporting the family as they navigate a process they have likely never been through before.
Animal‐assisted therapy is currently provided by various health‐care or human service professionals within the bounds of their particular field of expertise. The therapeutic use of animals can occur in three basic ways: (i) pets are used as companions for individuals who are either living independently in their own home or in assisted living facilities; (ii) pets are used in institutions where they help to stimulate and/or be companions to the residents; and (iii) animals visit institutions to help stimulate the residents’ interest and provide a topic of conversation.
