What Is Palliative Care and What Does a Medical Chaplain Do — New Episode of the "Let's Talk About" Podcast

The sixth episode of the Let's Talk About podcast explores one of the most sensitive yet essential topics: palliative care, hospice care, and the role of a medical chaplain. In this conversation, Archpriest Yaroslav Rokhman of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church and Ella Sokolyuk, a clinical psychologist, psychotherapist, and trainer, discuss how society can change its attitudes toward serious illness, dying, and those who accompany people through the final stages of life.

Palliative care is a holistic approach that provides medical, psychological, social, and spiritual support to people living with serious — but not necessarily terminal — illnesses. Its goal is to relieve suffering, improve quality of life, and support both patients and their families. Many people receiving palliative care recover or continue living with their condition for years. 

Hospice care, by contrast, is intended for people approaching the end of life.

"Hospice care supports people during the terminal stage of illness. Its purpose is to help them live the time they have left with dignity and as little pain as possible. These are two different concepts, and when we confuse them, we diminish the value of both," explains Ella Sokolyuk.

She notes that when families decide to place a loved one in hospice care, the decision is often driven not by indifference but by exhaustion.

"People are trying to balance work, raising children, and providing around-the-clock care for someone who is bedridden and requires professional medical attention. Choosing hospice care is about creating the best possible quality of life. It allows family members to spend meaningful time together with love and presence, rather than being overwhelmed by exhaustion and unable to offer emotional support during those final moments."

Father Yaroslav recalls visiting a hospice in Gdańsk that profoundly changed his perception of end-of-life care.

"Patients' beds were wheeled outside into the sunshine. A string quartet was playing. Family members were sitting beside their loved ones. I remember thinking: I would like to spend my final days in a place like this. It showed me how much dignity and comfort can be created for people at the end of life."

He explains that modern hospices are designed to remain open and accessible to families, allowing loved ones to visit daily, share meals, and continue creating meaningful moments together.

Why Are We So Afraid to Talk About Death?

Ella Sokolyuk believes our discomfort with death is deeply rooted in both culture and history.

She explains that modern Western societies often place great value on control, achievement, and productivity, making death seem like failure or loss. In Ukraine, this is compounded by the legacy of the Soviet era, when religion, spirituality, and family traditions were systematically suppressed.

"These historical and cultural experiences continue to shape how we think about death. Many people see it only as punishment or tragedy, rather than as a natural part of life or a transition."

A Medical Chaplain Is Much More Than Someone Who Prays

Father Yaroslav also reflects on his medical chaplaincy training in Austria and his experience during the COVID-19 pandemic. During the pandemic, he says, chaplains increasingly found themselves supporting healthcare professionals, who were often experiencing severe emotional exhaustion.

"A medical chaplain is not someone who simply comes to pray. They work with patients, family members, healthcare staff, and volunteers. Their role is to build connections — between patients and their families, between patients and medical professionals, and ultimately between people and themselves."

The sixth episode of the Let's Talk About podcast is now available on the Eleos-Ukraine YouTube channel.

The project "Clergy and Communities in Support of Mental Health: Innovative Support Practices During the War in Ukraine" is implemented by Eleos-Ukraine in partnership with DanChurchAid and Norwegian Church Aid in Ukraine, with financial support from the Government of Norway (NORAD).