Empowering end-of-life care

Avika Awomi is a clinical chaplain for VITAS but she prefers to think of herself as a spiritual and emotional caregiver.

She supports people who are confronting the most challenging part of life — its end.

“What brings them comfort? In that short period of time, how can I bring them comfort?” she said of her mission.

Awomi helps her patients connect with whatever spirituality looks like for them, and she also shepherds families through the grieving process as they say goodbye.

She offers a language for an otherwise dense and murky emotional landscape, helping them to name and process what they’re experiencing, whether that’s fatigue, frustration or anticipatory grief.

“Hospice is when at least two or more doctors have agreed that the person will pass away within the next 6 to 12 months,” she said.

But VITAS also provides palliative care, which enables Awomi to support people navigating dementia-related brain changes as well.

She partners with memory care facilities to offer programming for residents and support groups for their family members.

Awomi sings, holds ceremonies and otherwise provides warmth, presence and deep love for people navigating dementia.

Care Partners who attend Awomi’s groups can expect to be given informative articles and space to speak and build community.

“You need to take time for yourself,” she said. “Take care of yourself.”

She adds that it’s never too early to reach out to VITAS when dementia is present.

“It’s better to start seeking help and group support as soon as you’re diagnosed,” she said.