Is Hospice Religious? Here’s How Hospice Care Works for Everyone

The Truth Is in the Stories: Dispelling Myths About Hospice Care – Part 3

Myth: Hospice is run by a religious organization.

Truth: Hospice is non-denominational and is inclusive of all beliefs and cultures.

A Common Misconception About Hospice

For many families, choosing hospice care comes with questions, including one of the most common-- Is hospice religious?

Because hospice originated in faith-based communities, especially Catholic traditions, some people worry that choosing hospice might mean being asked to pray, participate in religious rituals, or accept a certain belief system.

That hesitation can be deeply personal:

“Will they try to talk to me about God?”

“What if I’m not religious?”

“Will they respect my traditions?”

The answer is simple: Modern hospice care is non-denominational, inclusive, and guided by the values of the individual receiving care.

Where the Myth Comes From

The idea that hospice is religious has a basis in history. The word “hospice” comes from a Latin word meaning “hospitality,” and in the Middle Ages, religious groups cared for people who were sick, dying, or traveling long distances. These early “hospices” were places of rest and comfort that offered kindness and care during difficult times.

In 1905, the Religious Sisters of Charity, a group of Catholic nuns, opened St. Joseph’s Hospice in London. They believed everyone deserved care at the end of life—even those who were poor or turned away from hospitals. Cicely Saunders, a nurse and doctor inspired by the sisters’ work, founded St. Christopher’s Hospice in 1967, and helped shape hospice care as we know it now.

What Hospice Looks Like Today: Inclusive, Respectful, and Personalized

While hospice care still includes spiritual support, it looks very different from its early roots. Today, spiritual care is about honoring your values while offering care that’s personal and respectful. That respect shows up in many ways, often in the smallest moments.

Inclusive Spiritual Care in Action: An Amish Family’s Story

Ally O’Neal, a BAYADA Hospice director and former pastor, believes the best chaplains “take off their own hat” and step into the world of each family they serve. She once visited an Amish household that was wary of outside help—especially from a chaplain with tattoos, wearing make-up. At first, the family declined her spiritual care visits.

Ally asked for one more chance. When she returned, the house was filled with relatives, community members, and the family’s pastor. Spotting the patient’s gladiolus flowers, one of her own favorites, Ally used that small connection to build trust.

She told the family, “I’m not here to change your beliefs; I’m here to support them.” Together, Ally and the Amish pastor led a shared prayer.

From then on, Ally visited regularly, reading the scriptures the pastor selected, singing hymns, and simply sitting in quiet presence. For that family, true comfort came from a chaplain who honored their traditions, not her own. The experience is a reminder that inclusivity in hospice isn’t theoretical. It happens one respectful gesture at a time.

At BAYADA, spiritual care providers like Ally aren’t here to preach or persuade. They’re here to listen, support, and help patients and families find meaning in the final chapter. This may include:

• Interfaith or non-faith-based conversations about legacy, life, or grief
• Support for atheists, agnostics, or people with spiritual practices outside of traditional religion
• Quiet presence during difficult moments
• Making space for post-death customs, such as washing the body or keeping it at home

Learn More

Today’s hospice care isn’t about conversion. It’s about compassion. The promise BAYADA makes to every patient and family is “We see you, hear you, and will honor your journey.” To learn more about BAYADA Hospice visit bayada.com/hospicestories.