Hospice A Different Type Of Volunteering

In 2012 my father was admitted into hospice care in Topeka Kansas.? At the time I didn’t really know what that meant other than it wasn’t good.? So, imagine my surprise when I saw the small army of nurses and volunteers that would visit us every day to make sure my dad’s last days were as comfortable as possible.? I remember whispering to my stepmom “How much is the family paying for all this?” and was absolutely gob smacked when she told me that the amazing compassionate care and all of the medication was provided at no cost to us.? I was so impressed by this, that I resolved to become a hospice volunteer once I returned to Denver.? Little did I know that hospice volunteering would be one of the most meaningful things I would ever experience in my life.

After my two-week training was complete, I started out by doing in-home hospice volunteering, where I would spend one to two hours a week in a hospice patients’ home to provide respite for family members.? Some patients had no family, so I would be one of their only non-medical connections to the outside world.? Some of the things I did as an in-home volunteer included:

• Spending time and being present with the patient.
• Reading or playing soothing music.
• Playing games like cards or board games.
• Writing legacy letters with the patient.
• Cooking meals.
• Doing light household chores.
• Providing respite so family caregivers can take a break.
• Creating art projects.
• Writing down the patient’s life story.

Later I volunteered at the inpatient care center where patients needed the most critical care, and often spent their last days.? Most of the time I spent there was doing my best to make patients as comfortable as possible for their last transition.? Sitting with folks and talking to them whether they were responsive or not, and being there to hold their hand so they weren’t alone in their final moments was important so that they could have a peaceful passing.? I hope in my final days someone will be there to provide me with those simple comforts and dignities.

Despite sounding like it’s about death, hospice is actually about life. Hospice staff and volunteers don’t just strive to ensure patients are comfortable, they strive to help them thrive in their last months or days.? On of my favorite quotes is “Hospice isn’t about dying in the end, it’s about living?until?the end.”?

Now, hospice volunteering isn’t for everyone.? If you are reading this and saying, “There is no way I could ever do that!” hospice volunteering probably isn’t for you.? But if you feel slightly intrigued even though you understand that it could be emotionally challenging at times, then hospice volunteering just might be something you should explore.? Below are some traits that hospice centers often look for in hospice volunteers.? Does this sound like you?

• Compassionate.
• Empathetic.
• Desire to give back and serve others.
• Strong listener.
• Comfortable with silence.
• Respect for different beliefs and ways of life.

The work can be emotional, but I assure you that your efforts will have a lasting impact.? And YOU will feel positive impacts too.? Hospice volunteers consistently report the following personal benefits:

• Better mental and physical health.
• More life satisfaction.
• Higher self-esteem.
• Fewer symptoms of depression.
• Improved sense of well-being.

If dealing with patients directly feels like too big of a lift for you then there are other administrative tasks that every hospice center needs help with.? Some of these tasks include:

• Preparing mailings or letters.
• Filing, data entry, photocopying or other clerical duties.
• Answering phone calls.
• Helping set up community events.
• Calling patients’ homes to provide extra comfort and support.
• Making blankets or cards for patients.

I truly cherished my time volunteering with the Denver Hospice and am very excited to start volunteering with The Nathan Adelson Hospice in my new home of Las Vegas.? For me it has truly been an honor to build relationships with loving people and families.? It has given me deeply rewarding life experiences and has made me a far more empathetic person.? I often bring these experiences into my professional life, and I have become a better professional because of them.

Thanks for listening if you have made it this far.? I hope this inspired you to consider “A different kind of volunteering”.