Hospice Southeastern Connecticut Introduces Its New Spiritual Coordinator

Rev. Willis J. McCaw, M.Div. has recently joined the staff of Hospice Southeastern Connecticut in the newly created position of Spiritual Coordinator. 

Rev. McCaw, who received a Master of Divinity Degree from Yale University, addresses the spiritual needs of the patient and family under the care of Hospice Southeastern Connecticut.  He is available to respond to the spiritual needs of our patients and families of all perspectives and faiths, and he embraces an ecumenical spirit.  “Having the ability to relate to and have an appreciation for individuals of diverse backgrounds, perspectives and faith traditions is essential for spiritual care in hospice,” he says.

In December 2008, Rev. McCaw completed a chaplain residency at Hartford Hospital.  He provided care to patients, families and staff facing a spectrum of life transitions.  He also currently serves as Chaplain of the Gospel Church of Trinity College, designing and facilitating creative weekly worship services as well as advising and counseling students.  These experiences have provided the opportunity for interaction with people of various faiths and ethnic backgrounds. 

Serving New London County since 1985, Hospice Southeastern Connecticut is a community-based non-profit organization providing end of life care in the home to patients with a terminal illness.  Care often can be provided in skilled nursing facilities as well.  Bereavement services are provided for the patient’s family and to the entire southeastern Connecticut community regardless of whether the death took place under hospice care or not.  Hospice Southeastern Connecticut services are provided by an entire team, including the patient’s physician, the Hospice Medical Director, nurses, hospice health aides, social workers, bereavement counselors, complementary therapists, volunteers and chaplains. 

Rev. McCaw looks forward to providing a spiritual presence in the lives of patients, families and staff.  “I am very excited about the opportunity to contribute to an organization with such strong ties to the community that it serves.  In our multicultural and ever-changing world, I feel it is important to provide interfaith resources to ensure that the spiritual lives of patients and their families do not get lost in the shuffle of end-of-life issues.”