Mr. H., a traveling salesman, was happy that his wife, Mrs. H, age 53, was able to join him on his frequent trips across the country. Their van was their home. Their immediate family members either lived at a distance or were estranged for the past few years. Traveling in a leased van and staying in motels were familiar routines until Mrs. H. became ill on a trip and required hospitalization. Her diagnosis of a terminal cancer was unexpected and her short-term prognosis was devastating to both of them. Following her initial hospitalization in one state, they traveled until it became evident that Mrs. H was no longer able to continue. A local motel room that included kitchen facilities became "home" for the last 3 weeks of Mrs. H's life.

The local hospice was contacted and Mrs. H who had no medical insurance was admitted for hospice care. Mr. H devoted his time to provide the needed care and support for Mrs. H. He voiced concern about existing medical and personal bills since he was unable to carry out his sales obligations at present. The medical social worker worked with the H's to apply for available insurance coverage.

The initial request to the chaplain was to baptize Mrs. H at her request. The chaplain administered this sacrament and continued to provide spiritual care for both Mr. and Mrs. H. The chaplain's responsibilities during Mrs. H's 3-week admission to hospice in this unique situation included:

* Contacting the staff of a local funeral home to arrange a funeral;

* Counseling with Mr. H to contact Mrs. H's estranged family, including her mother with whom she had no contact for many years, to inform them of Mrs. H's status, and later, the funeral arrangements;

* Encouraging Mr. H to invite his mother who lived in Europe to participate in the funeral service by telephone;

* Encouraging Mr. H to display a photograph of Mrs. H that he carried with him at her memorial service. One enlarged print was made available for the service but Mr. H also requested that additional smaller prints be made for her caregivers.

During Mrs. H's 3-week stay at the motel the hotel staff became "family." At times, the hospice staff supplemented the meals that Mr. H prepared or ordered in by sharing home made meals. The chaplain stayed with Mr. H when Mrs. H's condition declined and it was evident that death was imminent.

Following Mrs. H's death, Mr. H chose to stay at the motel for a few days. Mrs. H's service was held at the funeral home. Many of the individuals who attended the service returned to Mr. H's room at the motel for a reception. In summary:

* The chaplain arranged and conducted Mrs. H's service

* Hospice and motel service who cared for Mrs. H attended the service

* The motel and hospice staff planned and supplied the food for a reception following the service.

Mr. H decided to accept the invitation to stay with a friend while he makes decisions regarding his future plans. Someday, he plans to return to his hometown in Europe and bury his wife's ashes in his family's cemetery plot. The hospice team members, as well as others, were an important aspect in the care of the H's while they experienced hospice care and caring in their home away from home.