ABSTRACT
In this chapter, the author introduces Casey House Hospice and some of the psycho/social/spiritual dynamics of AIDS palliative care. He focuses on some of the counseling dynamics experienced within the House, and consists of a discussion of spiritual issues that arise within the HIV/AIDS community. The House was created because of the need in the AIDS community for a place where persons living with AIDS could die with dignity, autonomy, and honor. The threat of rejection due to the unacceptability of AIDS continues to exaggerate and exacerbate the suffering of persons and families living with the illness. For the spirituality of HIV/AIDS is the same as the spirituality of any true tragedy. The spirituality of HIV/AIDS is found within the human spirit that continues to love against all obstacles, even that of illness and death. The author concludes with a reflection upon the spiritual experience of persons living with HIV/AIDS.
