Culturally Sensitive Care

Honoring Every Journey with Compassion and Respect

For nearly 120 years, MJHS has upheld the values of compassion, dignity, and respect, meeting patients where they are and recognizing the important role that religious values, beliefs, traditions, military experiences, gender identity, and personal preferences play when facing serious or life-limiting illnesses. Our team is dedicated to understanding these experiences, treating patients with respect and helping them have honest conversations with their loved ones to help bring about healing, peace, and dignity.

We achieve this through specialized care programs designed to address the unique needs of our diverse patient population.

These efforts have earned us recognition, including awards for:

Compassionate and Inclusive Care for the LGBTQI+ Community

MJHS recently received the inaugural Trailblazer Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging (DEIB) award from the National Alliance for Care at Home. This award acknowledges the commitment of our organization and staff to supporting our LGBTQ+ patient population.

We also received SAGE’s top Platinum Credential for LGBTQ+ cultural competency training.

Our team understands that family support can sometimes come from a patient’s chosen family rather than their biological one, and we treat every patient and their loved ones with the utmost respect. 

Honoring Those Who Served: Specialized Veteran-Informed Care

We honor our nation’s veterans and understand the unique challenges many face as they approach end-of-life. That’s why we’re so proud that MJHS Hospice has been acknowledged with top status as a Level 5 Partner by the National Alliance for Care at Home and the US Department of Veterans Affairs’ We Honor Veterans program. 

Our team is specially trained to provide trauma-informed care for veterans who may experience triggers from their military experience. Our dedicated veterans’ liaison is available to listen, talk about past experiences and ensure that all veterans under our care have access to the entitlements and benefits they deserve or that their families receive the appropriate benefits after their passing.

Veteran Liason 

Our veterans’ liaison has the experience and knowledge to have conversations with our veteran population to learn if they’ve encountered any form of trauma that needs to be considered and addressed during their end-of-life care. The Liason shares this understanding with the entire care team to help ensure that each veteran and their family receives the most compassionate and responsive care and support possible.

Compassionate Care Rooted in Jewish Traditions and Values

MJHS also cares for Jewish patients according to their religious, spiritual and cultural beliefs. Key components of our program include:

• Halachic Pathway—Ensures observant Jewish patients and their families can involve their rabbi or rabbinic advisor (posek) in the medical decision-making process. Knowing hospice care aligns with Jewish law during the end-of-life journey provides peace of mind. 
• Holocaust Survivor Care—Offers gentle, trauma-informed care delivered by staff who are sensitive to the past experiences of Survivors.

We also assist with funeral planning and coordination with the Chevra Kadisha to ensure burial within 24 hours.

By respecting and integrating Jewish traditions and values into care, when requested, we aim to provide comfort, dignity, and peace of mind to patients and their families.

Guiding Families Through Difficult Decisions 

Cultural customs and traditions may sometimes lead to differing opinions within families. If you and your family face challenges agreeing on a chosen plan of care or if your beliefs differ from those of your loved ones, our Ethics Review Committee is available to facilitate thoughtful discussions and guide you toward a resolution that honors your values and wishes. Additionally, we offer support to help navigate these sensitive conversations with empathy and understanding.