Throughout my time as a hospice volunteer, my patient profoundly impacted my understanding of patient care. Once a standout college athlete in baseball and basketball and a dedicated high school biology teacher, my patient now faces the daily challenges of dementia and Parkinson’s disease. Despite these hardships, his love for sports and science remains, shining … Continue reading “Lessons from a Former Athlete: Hospice and the Power of Presence”
Fly Eagles Fly – My experience at Daylesford Crossing
Overall, the pre-med hospice experience has been deeply impactful, as I have formed great connections with six patients, two of whom have since sadly passed away. Having had little personal experience with loss at this point in my life, these deaths were challenging and forced me to develop a new perspective on patient care and … Continue reading “Fly Eagles Fly – My experience at Daylesford Crossing”
Finding Humanity in Hospice
I see “Ms. Rose” every Tuesday afternoon. I have visited her for 18 weeks now. In the beginning, I was nervous because it’s not easy constantly having to re-introduce yourself and get to know the same person differently every week. Now, however, it’s second nature, and I look forward to seeing her every week. When … Continue reading “Finding Humanity in Hospice”
The Power of Presence: Lessons from Hospice Care
When I signed up to be a hospice volunteer, I was not quite sure what to expect. Based on my experience of grandparents in end-of-life care, I assumed my role would involve talking to patients about their fears or simply offering silent companionship. I did not anticipate the joy and gratitude that can come along … Continue reading “The Power of Presence: Lessons from Hospice Care”
The Skills of Hospice Patient Care
Hi, you can call me Jason, and during my journey as a volunteer for Anova, I was assigned about 3-4 patients over the course of my time here. One relationship that I found to be extremely meaningful was with my patient, who we can refer to as Adam. Unfortunately he recently passed away, but our … Continue reading “The Skills of Hospice Patient Care”
The Power of Presence
I was fortunate enough to be matched with a patient early on in the school year and stay with him through the time of writing this essay. My patient, who I will refer to as “John,” is a man who has lived a long, fulfilling life, and now unfortunately struggles with Parkinson’s disease and dementia. … Continue reading “The Power of Presence”
The Gift of Time
There was one patient in particular that stood out to me, F. Our relationship grew over the time of my visits, and it got to the point where he remembered me and remembered things about me. This helped me gain a stronger bond because I felt connected to him. Visiting him quickly became the highlight … Continue reading “The Gift of Time”
Cherry Pie and Compassion: The Transformative Power of Hospice Volunteering
I sat at the Thanksgiving table with my family and friends, appreciating the full table of dishes and desserts in front of me. The laughter and conversation bounced around the room, filling my heart with memories of togetherness that I continue to cherish. However, one particular dish stood out to me: cherry pie. This dessert … Continue reading “Cherry Pie and Compassion: The Transformative Power of Hospice Volunteering”
In The Face of Loss: Where Little Wins Make The Biggest Difference
When I first joined this program, I had been learning how to cope with my grandfather’s transition into a nursing home. His dementia had been rapidly progressing and I watched his mental decline grow worse alongside my family with each subsequent visit. Coming into this program, I had some prior experience with patients in nursing … Continue reading “In The Face of Loss: Where Little Wins Make The Biggest Difference”
Through the Stained Glass: Lessons in Life and Purpose from Hospice Care
The first thing that came out of my mouth every Friday at 3 pm was, “Hey “Joseph”, what are you working on today?” Little did I know that behind that bathroom door lay a world of colorful glass and profound wisdom, waiting to shape my understanding of life and purpose. “Joseph”, a 93-year-old man I … Continue reading “Through the Stained Glass: Lessons in Life and Purpose from Hospice Care”