Hospice: A holistic approach to end of life care

This session is an introduction to hospice care, including its basic philosophy, when hospice is appropriate, and what services are provided. Special attention will be paid to the holistic experience of hospice, as well as the roles of the hospice team in providing emotional and spiritual support for patients and their loved ones. This session is intended for anyone with an interest in learning more about hospice care.

Reverend Benjamin S. Bigney, a board-certified chaplain who serves as a spiritual care counselor at Hospice East Bay, will be the guest speaker. A native of Bangor, Maine, he moved to the Bay Area in 2010 to pursue a career in health care chaplaincy. He attended Pacific School of Religion in Berkeley and completed his clinical residency at UCSF Medical Center. Aside from his interest in spiritual care, Bigney is a jazz pianist and loves spending time outside. He lives in Oakland with his partner and their loveable but feisty Rottweiler Mei-Mei.