Archives: Volunteer Spotlights

Posts

The Value of Being A Hospice Volunteer

/in /
test

 

By Lewis E. Silverman

My father-in-law died three years ago in June. The final weeks leading up to his passing were particularly challenging in terms of providing for his needs. Thankfully, my wife and I were able to find and engage the services of an area hospice. I came away with a deep appreciation of the passion and commitment that it takes to work for a hospice – not only as a paid caregiver, i.e., nurse, social worker, but also as a volunteer. It was through that experience that I was lead to become a hospice volunteer.

To be an effective hospice volunteer, one must have a genuine desire to give comfort, love and care to patients and their families during the end of life period. As a volunteer, I am acutely aware that my words, actions, and deeds will have a tremendous impact on the lives of the patients I am serving.

In order to do my job correctly, I must clearly understand and remain cognizant of my actions. It is not about me. The “I factor” must be removed from the equation. Once that is understood, we are better equipped and prepared to serve those who are in need.

Our presence is aimed at providing the most comfortable and compassionate end of life experience possible. Our value cannot be overstated. As volunteers, we are looked at as ordinary members of the community. For patients, families, and friends, this provides an extremely high comfort level. Because of that relationship, oftentimes we connect with patients on a deep, personal level. It is through this connection that we are able to provide insight to other care team members regarding the overall impact of the care that is being provided. Because we are viewed as “one of them,” patients and their families will sometimes share bits of information that they might be hesitant to share with other members of the care team.

A part of what makes our presence valuable is the unique life perspective and personality that we provide. There are similarities among us that serve as a true indicator of our effectiveness:

  1. We have an abundance of compassion towards those who are on the end-of-life journey.
  2. We have a deep-seeded respect for the life they have led.
  3. We have a clear understanding of our personal limits. We are there to listen to them and not make it about us.
  4. We have the ability to listen and be supportive regardless of what we see and hear.

The role of a hospice volunteer is not a bed of roses. However, what we experience will last a lifetime. It will enrich not only our lives, but all those who we encounter through our efforts. The kindness and hard work that we share will bring peace to our patients while planting the seeds of purpose and value in our own lives.

So, what are you waiting for?

Complete the online volunteer application form right now, download a volunteer application form and mail/email to us, or contact Laurie Murry, Volunteer Coordinator, at 717-221-7890.

Celebrating the Gifts of Hospice Volunteers

/in /
test

 

Homeland Hospice Honors its Volunteers during
National Volunteer Week, April 19 – 25

thank you to the homeland hospice volunteersNational Volunteer Week provides the opportunity to recognize the millions of Americans who provide volunteer service in communities across the country. At Homeland Hospice, 42 trained volunteers are giving selflessly to help people live as fully as possible, even when facing a serious or life-threatening illness. Even now, when our volunteers can’t visit patients and their families in the home, or provide administrative assistance in the Homeland office, they are helping our staff meet needs by making phone calls, sending cards, making protective face masks, and preparing bereavement mailings from their homes.

“Given that hospice volunteers accompany people along the journey of a serious or life-threatening illness, they serve an essential part in enabling Homeland Hospice to offer the best care possible,” Debbie Klinger, Director of Hospice, says. “By sharing their time, energy, and expertise, our volunteers bring compassion and caring to the lives of those in need and we celebrate them not only during National Volunteer Week but every day.”

It is federally mandated under Medicare that five percent of all patient care hours be provided by trained volunteers, reflecting the vital role that volunteers play in the provision of care. But even if the integration of volunteers was not required, we would still consider them critical members of our team. Our community is a better, more compassionate place because of their service.

homeland hospice volunteer cardsAs hospice staff and volunteers, the most we can do is provide an opportunity for our patients to have the best deaths possible for them. Laurie Murry, Volunteer Coordinator said, “while everyone else is running away from end-of-life, our staff and volunteers are marching forward saying, ‘We know what you’re going through. We want to help.’”

For those interested in learning more about hospice or volunteer opportunities, please contact Laurie at 717-409-8882 or lmurry@homelandhospice.org.

Great Moments are Often Found in the Small Moments

/in /
test

By Laurie Murry, Homeland Hospice Volunteer Coordinator

patients enjoying playing cards

Homeland Hospice has a patient who complains about the facility meals, her roommate, the temperature of her room, those who are caring for her, and more–a difficult person to please. But she enjoys playing cards, so we arranged for a volunteer to visit and play cards with her. Once a week, for an hour or so, this patient is a different person–pleasant, and engaging, whether she wins the card games or not.

Another patient 95-years old has resided at a skilled nursing facility for many years. She is alert and oriented, but blind, and stays in bed with her eyes closed because light bothers her. She is not able to be a part of activities, community dining, or other social interactions with residents. Kneeling at the side of her bed (so she could be heard) our volunteer listens as she shares stories from her childhood, one about a tragic train accident that happened in her community while she was young. The volunteer learned this patient has a strong Christian faith and knows music can have a soothing and uplifting affect. She plays classic hymns from her cell phone while our patient smiles and comfortably falls asleep.

volunteer bringing the outdoors inResiding at home with her daughter due to her illness, a third patient becomes short of breath easily, restricting her movement. On a beautiful March day, the sun shines brightly and temperatures are in the mid-’50s, but our patient is unable to get outside. Her volunteer decides to bring the outdoors in and helps her plant a flower from the comfort of her armchair.

Homeland Hospice volunteers meet people where they are and value them for who they are … it’s not about wanting people to be a certain way. Serving is about appreciating the great moments that can be found by helping to create small moments–sitting quietly with a person who may be sound asleep, holding someone’s hand, reading a short story, or taking a patient “out of their room” or situation through conversation or a ride in their wheelchair. By giving without the expectation of receiving … and weaving compassion, heart, kindness, and vulnerability into our lives, we get to serve others, and leave our fingerprints on the world.

There are many ways you can volunteer and serve along-side our staff. Directly being involved with patients can occur through companionship, staying with a patient while a family member runs errands, sitting bedside during the last hours of a patient’s life, or driving a patient to an appointment. You can involve a trained and certified pet in your visits … patients love to see animals! Volunteers can also share time with a bereaved family member after a patient has passed away offering friendship and support during the grieving process. If your skills lie more in the administrative arena, assisting us in the office to help “tame” the mountains of paperwork and mailings is always appreciated. Should you have a special skill that you would like to share, such as nail care, cutting hair, yard work, dog grooming, cooking, etc., let us know and we’ll discuss ways it may be added to improving our patients’ quality of life.

Homeland volunteers receive an initial orientation, that can be done in the comfort of your home, at your own pace, as a self-study. On-going training, support and guidance is provided, as well as, opportunities to meet and fellowship with other volunteers on the team.  As a Homeland volunteer, you can pick your own schedule, serving once a month or a couple of times a week, and in the location of your choosing, such as near your home or workplace.

We would love to have you as part of our volunteer team! For more information on how you might become involved, contact Laurie Murry, Volunteer Coordinator, at lmurry@homelandhospice.org or 717-409-8882.

Hospice Volunteers: Treasured Heroes to Those They Assist

/in /
test

heart graphic reading homeland volunteers careFrom running an errand for a grieving family to providing assistance at bereavement support group meetings, volunteers are an integral part of Homeland Hospice.

They graciously share their time and compassion. They are deeply committed to making sure hospice patient and their families have a network of support. They are always quick to smile and give a reassuring hug when it’s needed most.

They come from diverse parts of our community. Homeland Hospice volunteers are teens, working adults, retirees and veterans – all dedicated to helping patients and families make the most of every precious moment together.

“Our volunteers are treasured heroes to those they assist and to the entire Homeland family,” says Leanne Porterfield, Coordinator of Volunteers at Homeland Hospice. “They go above and beyond in service to grieving families. This includes personal support and behind-the-scenes activities. Their actions speak louder than words.”

Homeland Hospice and Homeland Center recently honored volunteers at the Volunteer Appreciation luncheon.”

“We deeply appreciate your commitment to choosing to use the most valuable commodity you have – your time – in the interest of serving others,” Homeland Center President and CEO Barry S. Ramper II told volunteers at the event.

Homeland, which has a 150-year tradition of caring for patients like family, is growing – and so is its need for hospice volunteers.

Homeland is seeking volunteers to support patients and families in Dauphin, Cumberland, Perry, York, Lebanon and Lancaster counties.

Eighteen individuals joined Homeland’s volunteer team last year to help support more patients and families across Central Pennsylvania, bringing the total number of volunteers to 54. They generously provided 2,407 hours of service.

If you are interested in becoming a volunteer for Homeland Hospice, please call us at 717-221-7980.

Meet Anne Jessee and Frankie B

/in /
test

volunteer Anne Jessee and her dog Frankie B

Anne Jessee and her American Kennel Club therapy bulldog, Franklin, have been volunteering with Homeland Hospice for nearly a year.

Therapy dogs (like Franklin) go with their handlers (like Anne) and volunteer in different settings such as schools, or in this case, hospice programs. Spending time with pets has been known to help divert a patient’s attention away from their illness, increase happiness and reduce anxiety.

“It is important to me to give back and I enjoy volunteering my time to help others,” says Anne.  “When someone is nearing the end of their life, their remaining days are precious and I feel privileged to be a part of making those days special.”

Homeland Hospice has offered pet therapy to hospice patients since they began serving the southcentral Pennsylvania region nearly a decade ago.

 

More about Anne

When Anne isn’t volunteering her time with Homeland, she can be found writing – as she is a recently published author. And who do you think her book features?

You guessed it! It is none other than Frankie Benjamin Jessee (Frankie B.), who Anne describes as “a typical bulldog with a not so typical life and not so typical friends.”

Anne began her love of writing in 8th grade and it is something she has always been passionate about. It wasn’t until recently that Anne decided to take the leap into book writing. “It was my husband who encouraged me to get published,” Anne says.  “He and I both believe you need to find what you like to do and run with it.”

 

Frankie in the Farmyard

book cover of frankie in the farmyardAnne’s book, Frankie in the Farmyard, unlocks the true beauty of a blended family and proves that, although we might look different on the outside, deep inside we all just want to be loved…like Frankie.   To tell the story, Frankie takes you on a farmyard adventure with all of his farmyard friends.

“The message of the book is timeless,” Anne says.  “Every child needs to know that they are loved. And who doesn’t like a dog?”

Frankie in the Farmyard is available on Amazon and also on Frankie’s website.  You can also keep up with Frankie’s adventures by following him on Facebook.

To learn more about Homeland Hospice’s pet therapy program and how it can help you or a loved one, please contact us at 717.221.7890.

Meet Lisa Fetter and Ruby

/in /
test

Lisa Fetter and RubyLisa Fetter, a lifelong Dauphin County resident, is a Social Worker for Homeland HomeHealth.

Lisa graduated from La Salle University, where she played Division One Field Hockey, with a bachelor’s degree in social work.  “Go Explorers!”   Lisa also earned a master of social work degree from Millersville University.

She chose her career because she enjoys helping others.  “I have always tried to go above and beyond to help others in need. It is inspiring to help people get on the right path after they had to overcome so many barriers in life.”  Lisa believes that every day in her field is a different learning experience. “It teaches me the true value of life and challenges me in ways that few other careers will.”

“I chose to work at Homeland because I always heard such great things about them. I wanted to work for an employer where I woke up every morning looking forward to going to work. A job that you love gives you motivation to meet your goals and expectations not only for yourself and employer, but most importantly for your patients.”

While Lisa’s responsibilities are geared toward home health, she is being cross-trained for hospice care.  “We are starting a palliative program which allows me, as the social worker, our nurse, and an aid to continue caring for patients who choose to transition to hospice.”

 

That is where Ruby enters the picture.

Lisa has also become a Homeland Hospice volunteer, and is training her dog Ruby, a cava-poo, to become a certified therapy dog for our hospice patients. Ruby, along with Winston, also a cava-poo, and Freya, a collie, are Lisa’s fur children, and this is Lisa’s first experience training a therapy dog.

“Pet therapy or therapy dogs help our palliative and hospice patients cope with their terminal prognosis. Petting an animal has been known to release endorphins in the brain which can help calm someone who is struggling to cope. Spending time with pets can have a positive impact by drawing attention away from pain or problems and focusing it on the animal.”

Homeland has two other pet therapy volunteers, Franklin and Rusty, who travel with their handlers (also hospice volunteers).  Homeland Hospice has been using therapy dogs since its inception nearly a decade ago and will continue this complementary therapy that enhances a patient’s quality of life when it matters most.  Dog is truly man’s best friend.