The Slow Medicine of the Soul | End-of-life Care

A large part of the hospice & palliative care experience moves at a rapid pace. The timeline is short, the treatment frequent, and step of the plan may condense to just a few weeks or even days. From a book by Dr. Michael Finkelstein, The Slow Medicine of the Soul speaks about a different approach to care for people nearing the end of their lives. Instead of focusing on only physical comfort and well-being, the continuous tapestry of care also involves mental, emotional, and spiritual aspects. This is part of the LifeChoice in Wheeling, IL philosophy that is demonstrated in every carer’s actions for every patient.

Mental, Emotional, and Spiritual Health Matters

A hospice team steps in when a person’s physician expects they only have months or less left. The process begins quickly and transforms into a steady and continuous flow of helpful care, pain management, and physical, mental, and emotional support. This has to do with the patient receiving hospice services and loved ones that regularly interact with the team.

While medical care goes on, the compassionate team also understands that grief and bereavement are a large part of the situation. This holds true for everyone involved. The medicine of the body works swiftly. The medicine of the soul is more of a slow and continuous process winds through everything else. It affects all decisions, interactions, and the overall well-being of the patient and family.

No Set Spiritual Game Plan Exists

Treating a specific medical diagnosis involves a relatively short list of possibilities when it comes to end-of-life care. Of course, every individual gets exactly what they need to feel as comfortable as possible physically. However, when it comes to spiritual treatment, there are no set game plans that will work for every person or even most people.

This slow medicine is more reactive than proactive in many cases. The involved chaplain or other spiritual or religion-based hospice team members listen to concerns, answer questions as well as possible, and provide gentle guidance that brings them to a more comfortable and accepting place. Even if the patient or their family has no religious affiliation, spiritual care of this type is an essential part of handling the end-of-life process. Everyone has questions and concerns, and the LifeChoice in Wheeling has caring and educated members to help come to terms with the situation. No one can offer a “cure” for worry, distress, and grief. They can provide a way to slowly guide people to the most gracious realization possible, so they feel more comfort from an emotional and spiritual side.