Volunteer for Hospice training

CRESCO - Howard County Community Hospice, a department of Regional Health Services of Howard County, seeks individuals interested in serving as volunteers for the organization, clients and their families. 

Hospice volunteers bring social and emotional comfort to those in the final months of life in numerous ways, such as friendly visiting, errand running or sitting with a patient while their loved one takes a much-needed break from caregiving duties. No experience is necessary, and no direct care of the patient is required.

Training takes place from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. at Regional Health Services of Howard County Monday, Oct. 15, Wednesday, Oct. 17 and Thursday, Oct. 18.

Pre-registration is required by calling 563-547-2989 and is requested by Friday, Oct. 5, no later than 4:30 p.m.

For those interested but unable to attend the scheduled sessions, a home video-based training is available. Please call for details.

Tamara Lickteig, Hospice Volunteer Coordinator, said people from all walks of life are welcome to attend the training sessions.

“Different personalities work well with different people. We have a lot of patients who have been in the military, so we have some volunteers who have been in the military, so a lot of times we pair those up, because they have something in common. Or, we have women who enjoy quilting, so we pair them up with volunteers who like to quilt. There are always those who like to talk, or those who prefer to listen. They  might want someone to read to them and spend time with them. Sometimes, it’s just holding their hand and providing companionship.”

She said the training sessions will answer any questions of would-be volunteers, adding, “We always ask the volunteer if they would be interested in volunteering to be with a particular patient. They always get the final say.”

Volunteers must be at least 18 years old, but Lickteig said if anyone younger than age 18 wants to volunteer in some capacity, to call Howard County Community Hospice.

“We would try to find some ways they could participate, such as with the Four-Legged Friends Pet Program,” she said.

Erin Cline, Hospice Coordinator and social worker said,  “People don’t have to have any experience with hospice in order to attend the training sessions. You don’t have to be the caregiver; you are there to visit, be a friend, socialize, take people outside and sit with them. It’s also a comfort for the family to know someone is coming in and reading to Mom, or singing or saying prayers. It’s comforting for both the family and the patient.”

For those who may wonder how their personalities or interests may fit into a hospice volunteer situation, Cline said, “If someone goes to the training, I want them to look at it like, this is their opportunity to find out what it’s all about, learn about their roles, and what hospice does. They can then make that determination of: ‘In what capacity is this right for me?’”

Cline also said those who may be less comfortable or immune-compromised and thus unable to visit patients directly may find other ways in which to volunteer their time to assist Howard County Community Hospice.

“If volunteers are unable to see patients in their homes, they can volunteer in our office or help with events. There are peripheral things they can do to assist, like getting groceries.”

Cline also mentioned the Four-Legged Friends program.

“Last fall we started Four-legged Friends. We would have to meet hospice volunteers’ dogs and make sure the dog is an appropriate fit. We would pay for their pet to go through a Good Citizenship Course. If people are interested in that, they should call, too, as they will still have to take the hospice volunteer training course and then follow up with the Good Citizenship Course for their dog.”

Cline said hospice workers are also open to cats in the Four-Legged Friends program, although cats do not have to go through a Good Citizenship Course.

“We would have to meet the cat, and they would have to be up-to-date on their vaccinations,” Cline said. 

 

Hospice Testimonials

Mary C. Larson, volunteer: “My experience with the benefits of hospice date back to 1996 when my college friend was losing her battle with metastatic breast cancer. Initially, she didn’t think she wanted hospice due to negative statements she had heard of some hospices run in the Twin Cities area. Fortunately, she believed me and together we made the call. 

“She was able to remain in her home with her husband of 21 years and their six children ranging in age from 2-1/2-14 years. Her nurses and aides provided the necessary compassionate care. It truly was an honor to help my friend during this phase of her life.”

 

Harlan Larson, volunteer: “My prime reason to volunteer for people in hospice is to be a listener and to provide that person with all the dignity that they deserve. Empathy is a great word. By putting oneself in the hospice person’s situation, one will give that person the best of care.”

 

Bev Fitzgerald, volunteer: “As a hospice volunteer, I look forward to meeting new people, visiting with them and listening to their stories. It feels good to volunteer and is personally rewarding.”

 

William J. Ondrashek, volunteer: “Being a hospice volunteer is very rewarding. Knowing you helped someone’s loved one in their later stage of life is very humbling. I consider it an act of paying it forward by helping families care for their loved ones and someday if I need that care, hopefully someone will be there for me and my family. 

“Being a hospice volunteer is a very small gesture of kindness that leaves me with a good feeling in my heart. You also learn and share a lot with the patients and some of the obstacles they overcome through life. Every individual’s life story is unique and interesting. Giving of my time is a minute gesture toward helping someone’s loved one cope with their final days and is very, very rewarding.”

 

Lawrence Hageman, patient story: Lawrence Hageman was admitted to Howard County Community Hospice at his home in May and passed away on Sept. 6 at Evans Memorial Home. Moving from his home to the nursing home was a challenging transition for him at times, and volunteers were sought to take him outside and offer increased socialization. His son, Wayne Hageman, stated, “Larry looked forward to his almost daily hospice volunteer visits by Dan Huiskamp and Bill Ondrashek. It was the highlight of his day when they took him outside for his smoke breaks, and he enjoyed their visits.”

 

Marjorie Gunderson, patient story: Marjorie Gundersen was a hospice patient at the Patty Elwood Center. Her daughter Sue George stated, “I couldn’t have been any more pleased. I was amazed at all of the services Howard County Community Hospice offers. Marge enjoyed the hospice volunteers’ conversations and appreciated them sitting with her at meal time. We loved all of the attention she got.”

 

Mildred Stevenson, patient story: Mildred Stevenson was a hospice patient at Accura Healthcare Facility. Her sister-in-law, Mary Stevenson, commented on how hospice volunteer Bev Fitzgerald went above and beyond by making Mildred’s favorite foods. “Chocolate cake, pumpkin pie, and bringing ice cream and even picking up Mildred’s favorite Chinese food. Mildred enjoyed the treats but liked their time together even more.”