Hospice

Today I visited with my patient. The patient was in pants and a tee-shirt. It is a good sign they feel better. It is so rewarding to sit and talk with my patient. The three hours I spend in their home just flies by. After the spouse leaves we talk awhile and then the patient ask for strawberries. I fix some for the patient and they always ask me to fix some for myself. We sit enjoying our strawberries and share our stories. The simple act of sharing some strawberries helps my patient feel as if they are still a part of the world. They are able to have a social time and to show their hospitality.

Hospice

I visited with the caregiver today as my patient was sleeping. It is the art of small talk that makes things go smoothly. You listen, you laugh, you share your own stories and it all comes together to give the family some respite from the day to day living.

My job as a volunteer is not to change their lives or circumstances but, it is to give comfort for the long days ahead. Caring for a loved one who is in their last days can be all consuming. There is no rest for your body or your mind. The diversions of a volunteer are welcome relief.

Today as I was leaving the caregiver hugged me and thanked me for making them feel better. It is rewarding to know that simple gestures and small talk can make a difference in someone's life.

Hospices across America need your help. If you feel uncomfortable sitting with a patient perhaps you could volunteer in their office. I'm sure they could find a way to use the talents you have. Consider volunteering your time.

I came away today feeling encouraged.

Hospice

I visited my hospice patient again today (Monday). I brought them some buttercups from my yard. They were appreciated. The patient was in a talkative mood again. We talked about our children, food, and the beautiful weather we had yesterday on Sunday. The patient took a couple of catnaps. We laughed, we were quite, and sometimes we just smiled at each other. As I was leaving an old friend stopped by to see how they were doing.

It takes so little to give someone joy and happiness. Being able to express their feelings helps them to relieve some of their stress.

The time I spend with my patient is uplifting and so encouraging.

Hospice - My First Visit

Today was my first visit to my first patient for hospice. What a blessing! The patient was upbeat today and wanted to talk. The patient talked for 2 of the 3 hours I was there. We covered talk about family, children, flowers and God's blessings. Some friends and family have wondered if I was ready to be a hospice volunteer. Yes, I'm ready. Today was a wonderful day. I shared myself with someone who needed a new refreshing face to talk with. Although a hospice patient is terminally ill, they are still living. Their road to death is marked whereas ours is not. They still love, feel, remember, and want the best for their family and friends. They are who they have always been and will be until they take their last breathe.

I'm looking forward to my next visit.

Hospice

Hospice is health-care for the terminally ill that emphasizes pain control and emotional support for the patient and family. During my father's last days hospice was there to provide support for me and my family. I decided that after Daddy's death and when Brent was cured of his leukemia I would volunteer for hospice. After Brent's death I waited a while longer. On Saturday, February 16th I went to an all day hospice training. I received a call the following Thursday from hospice telling me I had my first patient if I was ready. Yes, I am ready. I will make my first visit as a hospice volunteer this coming Monday. I'm looking forward to making a difference for a family in this their greatest time of need. I will not be able to give any information about the patient, but I will be able to share how the experience is for me.