Jewish Care & Support Program
Gilchrist has developed a comprehensive Jewish Care and Support Program, ensuring that individuals receive hospice care that is sensitive to Jewish customs, rituals, and laws.
What is the Jewish Care & Support Program?
Gilchrist’s Jewish Care and Support Program includes all aspects of our hospice care while honoring each patient’s religious and cultural traditions. Care teams—consisting of physicians, nurses, social workers, spiritual counselors or rabbis, hospice aides, and volunteers—receive specialized training in Jewish customs, rituals, and practices. They are also educated on health care decision-making considerations that may arise when observing Jewish law.
Enhancements to Hospice Care:
- Program leadership from a manager with deep roots in the Jewish community and a strong understanding of Jewish law and customs
- Dedicated space at Gilchrist Center Towson, including a Jewish chapel and family area
- Oversight and guidance from a specially selected advisory committee of community members, volunteers, and Gilchrist staff committed to the program’s success
- Grief support services offered in partnership with Jewish Community Services, including individual counseling and support groups
Jewish Care and Support Program Vision:
The Gilchrist Jewish Care and Support Program envisions a compassionate, informed community in which individuals facing serious illness are supported, respected, and empowered to live with security and self-determination.
The Gilchrist Jewish Care and Support Program Values:
- Rachamim (Compassion): Treating every individual with dignity and delivering care with kindness, sensitivity and empathy.
- Kavod (Respect): Honoring each person’s uniqueness and supporting their path toward wholeness and well-being.
- Betichut (Safety): Working to ensure that individuals experience safety and security in all of their relationships.
- Shalom Bayit (Peace in the Home): Believing that every family deserves the opportunity to resolve conflict with respect.
- Tikkun Olam (Repairing the World): Providing safe, supportive spaces for those who have experienced harm or adversity.
- Avodat Tsevet (Teamwork): Recognizing the importance of collaboration and partnership to meet the full spectrum of needs.
- L’dor V’dor (From Generation to Generation): Encouraging connection, closeness and legacy-building across family generations.
How Can Gilchrist Help?
When it becomes clear that an illness cannot be cured and time may be limited, families often face confusion, anxiety, and emotional pain. Questions naturally arise about what the coming months, weeks, and days will look like. Gilchrist is here to guide and support you through this difficult time by:
- Educating families about the illness and helping them navigate important care decisions
- Ensuring individuals are comfortable and that their wishes and needs are honored
- Supporting caregivers with practical assistance and compassionate guidance
- Lightening the load of day-to-day care so families can spend meaningful time together
Gilchrist is More Than Hospice
We’re your support system at every stage of serious illness. We offer quality medical care, counseling, and support, so people can live life to the fullest on their own terms.
888.823.8880
