The experiences of one Ethos Hospice Volunteer
My name is Bev Malnory. I would like to share the joys of being a hospice volunteer with Ethos.
It often takes a village to provide holistic care for a hospice patient. A hospice team involves many, which might include physicians, nurses, certified nursing assistants, social workers, chaplains, therapists, volunteers, and more. All this support and everyone fulfilling their own roles and working together to provide the best care possible for the patient is what makes hospice care so comforting. Being a hospice volunteer has enriched my life, and has also given the patient’s family members comfort knowing that their loved one has an outside resource that will be spending time with them regularly.
Why volunteer with Ethos Hospice?
I have had the opportunity to see the benefits hospice has to offer firsthand. Both of my parents were blessed with hospice services during their final stages of life. Our family was so impressed with the care and compassion shown to my parents. The wonderful volunteers provided respite care so we were able to get away as a family for a meal and not have to leave them alone. It is through those experiences years ago that I knew I wanted to be a hospice volunteer and pay it forward once I was retired.
What hospice volunteer opportunities are available?
There are a variety of hospice volunteer opportunities to choose from such as administrative office work, companionship, eleventh-hour, pet therapy, running errands etc. During my interview to become a volunteer, I had the options set before me, and I knew that I wanted to be involved with companionship and eleventh-hour. An attractive feature of volunteering is the flexibility with scheduling which allows volunteers a degree of freedom in setting their available hours.
Ethos Hospice Volunteers – Companionship
I have been an Ethos volunteer for over nine months and it has been so rewarding. I have been blessed with being a companion to three wonderful ladies in a nursing home setting.
Patient One
I was introduced to my first patient last July and we had amazing times together. She did not always know me from week to week due to her memory loss, so I became her new friend every visit and that worked out great. We would spend time watching TV, coloring in her book, and admiring the beautiful pictures as I read to her. The staff said she would never agree to go outside. I felt a great sense of accomplishment when lo and behold, during my first visit with her she said it would be nice to go outdoors and sit in the sun. She loved sitting in the sun and admiring the flowers. We enjoyed many visits outdoors through the summer and fall. It lifted her spirits and put a smile on her face. When it became too cold out to enjoy the outdoors we would take a stroll around the nursing home and stop and admire the colorful fish in the tanks, spend time in the library, and would often find a cozy spot by a fireplace for a visit. There were some visits when she was not feeling well, and I would sit and hold her hand and we would listen to some music.
I had the privilege of getting to know her children on a few occasions and was welcomed to make a final visit to her in November on the day that she transitioned. The family took the opportunity to go have lunch together which gave me some alone time to spend with my friend. My dear friend passed away that evening and I was so thankful that I was with her that afternoon to wish her a peaceful journey. I was able to attend her Memorial Service which helped me get some closure. I shared with her children that their mom was my very first patient being a hospice volunteer and that she will forever hold a special place in my heart! I thanked them for allowing me to share in her journey.
Patient Two
I was seeing my 2nd patient at the same nursing home during the same time as my previous patient. We had so many wonderful visits. I learned so much from her about her life and family. We spent our time visiting, touring the facility so she could get out of her room, and spent time outdoors. She loves to read so we would go to the library on occasion so she could pick out a variety of books to read. After a few months she was no longer in need of hospice services. I got to know her quite well and enjoy her immensely, so I continue to see her weekly as a friend, not as a hospice volunteer. I continue to feel blessed having her in my life.
Patient Three
My 3rd patient is the one I am currently seeing on a weekly basis and is delightful. She is very knowledgeable and has been well educated, earning her Doctorate in Philosophy. I have learned so much from her as she has shared so many of her life stories about her childhood, her education, and her travels to other countries. She is able to speak a few different languages as well. She is a big fan of the EWTN religious channel, so we have watched a lot of that together and she enjoys chatting about her faith filled life with me. She is an avid reader, so we have been to the library to fill her shelves with books. I never tire of listening to what she has to share. Her smile melts my heart!
Ethos Hospice Volunteers – Eleventh-Hour
I have been involved with four Eleventh-Hour visits and they have touched my life in ways that are near and dear to my heart. I was at my mom’s and my 29-year-old daughter’s bedside at their time of death and found it so comforting to be there with them until the end. I was honored to be on the end-of-life journey with the Eleventh-Hour patients to offer a holding hand and comforting words when their family was unable to be there with them. It has been a very humbling experience for me.
It is with a grateful heart that I feel truly blessed to be an Ethos Hospice volunteer.
Interested in becoming a hospice volunteer?
Visit our volunteers page to learn more about volunteering with Ethos Hospice, or apply to become a volunteer. For additional information about our services or volunteering opportunities, contact our team at (701)515-0696 or fill out an inquiry form.