Chaplains for Physical Rehabilitation

Chaplains serve in many hospital settings, and some are assigned to rehabilitation units. They act as spiritual counselors to help patients, families, and the healthcare staff members:

• Through periods of crisis

• Reaffirm their spiritual beliefs

• Maintain or establish relationships with a church or house of worship

• Make daily rounds and on-call 24 hours a day pastoral services

Chaplains may be ordained ministers or priests, or may have attended a chaplaincy or pastoral care program through a university or hospital.

Because rehabilitation focuses on the whole person—physical, emotional, social, and spiritual, the chaplain often plays a special part in helping a person with a disability cope and recover. When a hospital or rehabilitation center does not employ a chaplain, the patient’s own clergy or spiritual advisor often performs these functions.