<p>As I recall from my MIL’s experience, Hospice is governed by its own policies regarding how soon they can become involved in a case, relative to the medical expectation of how many months the patient is likely to live. It might even vary among regions. Best to ask them where you live. </p>
<p>On the pastor, I witnessed how my MIL, who was Jewish, had her familiar rabbi who phoned and visited sometimes, which she found helpful. That didn’t surprise me, as she’s been religious always.</p>
<p>What intrigued me was how the Hospice pastor, from another faith community, consoled her in completely different ways. As a family we told him not to refer to Jesus or Heaven, ideas that would not resonate with our MIL. But instead to emphasize more general and universal wisdoms he could offer about feelings surrounding death. He did just that. His indepth familiarity with the many emtional nuances of death and dying were also helpful to my MIL. It might have been her, that she could parse out the two forms of counsel (her own rabbi plus the Hospice pastor). </p>
<p>Point is that even someone who has not always been religious might find some helpful support from a Hospice pastor, even from another faith. I mention that because you said your mom is involved in church already. She might find help and comfort from her regular pastor and whoever Hospice might assign to her case. </p>
<p>An advantage of the Hospice pastor is they visit regularly and frequently, as this is their caseload. The church pastor continues to have the entire church workload, so might not be able to see her as often. Together, if your Mom is willing, two pastors is NOT too much.</p>