The Rev. Dr. Kenneth A. Dale was recently recognized by the hospice team of Miles & St. Andrews Home Health & Hospice for his exemplary work as a hospice chaplain. The recognition comes in October, “National Clergy Appreciation Month.”

Hospice chaplains are specially trained clergy who work in a clinical setting, caring for the spiritual needs of terminally ill patients. Dale, who recently retired as pastor of the Second Congregational Church in Newcastle, is part of the unique and compassionate group of physicians, nurses, social workers, aides and volunteers who make up the agency’s hospice team.

Dale began work as a hospice chaplain in 1985 when he helped start the first hospice program in Piscataquis County. He joined Miles & St. Andrews Home Health & Hospice in 2006. At a recent training for hospice volunteers, Dale said, “One of the most important things to know about hospice is that we do not approach our work with patients and families with any set spiritual agenda. We interact with people wherever they are on their spiritual journey. We see patients of all faiths and patients of no faith.”

In addition to working with patients and families, Dale provides spiritual support to members of the hospice team and starts each team meeting with a prayer or reflective reading.

“Ken sets the tone for our work, helping us maintain our focus on patients and their desire to live their lives to the fullest with dignity, respect and grace. Ken offers an open, sensitive and non-judgmental acceptance of all. He provides spiritual strength and healing to our patients, families and caregivers and we are so grateful for his leadership and friendship,” said Kathy Bean RN, Executive Director of Miles & St. Andrews Home Health & Hospice.

Each year, Lincoln County Healthcare’s Miles & St. Andrews Home Health & Hospice program provides end-of-life services to over 200 local hospice patients and their families. Dale and the other members of the hospice team provide care in the home, whether home is a private residence, apartment, assisted living facility, independent living facility, nursing home or group home. For more information about hospice services, or to learn about upcoming hospice volunteer training, call 207-563-4592.