During my time with hospice, I was able to learn a lot about what it truly means to die a happy death. I enjoyed the enlightenment on this topic and its importance in applying it to my own life. Along the way I have gained a variety of lessons that I wish to implement in … Continue reading “The Value of Life and Death”
The Reality of Change
I use the pseudonyms for my patient (Yvette Thomas). My most meaningful hospice patient experience was my experience with Yvette Thomas. When I was given a preview about Yvette Thomas it was mentioned that she loved patient encounters. Every time I came in Yvette would smile and say, “oh yes”. I would color in cats … Continue reading “The Reality of Change”
My experience as a hospice volunteer
It has been a wonderful experience to be a hospice volunteer. It has given me an understanding and knowledge of how to work with terminally ill patients. This experience has taught me a lot about compassion, empathy, and the importance of human connection. As a hospice volunteer, I had the privilege of working with patients … Continue reading “My experience as a hospice volunteer”
Supporting those in Hospice Care
Since this January, I have visited Janet, a recently-blinded cancer patient, at her hospice care facility, where I assist her with orientation/mobility and provide companionship. Over time, I have found that she has grown more comfortable in our relationship, as she shares life successes and regrets, as well as feelings and fears about dying. Listening … Continue reading “Supporting those in Hospice Care”
Peace of Mind
I did not understand what death was until I decided to become a hospice volunteer. I had relatives in the past who had passed away when I was at a young age but never understood what they actually went through, until now. My pop-pop had a seizure when I was in elementary school and one … Continue reading “Peace of Mind”
A Reflection on Growth in Death
As “Marie” passionately detailed who had brought her each plant, I took note of the facts she shared about her family. From her daughters to grandsons, she named her loved ones with ease while proudly feeling the growing leaves and speaking on her previous love for gardening. Less than a minute passed before she turned … Continue reading “A Reflection on Growth in Death”
Diving Deeper Into Medicine
Diving Deeper into Medicine “Sarah Scott” I can confidently say that my hospice experience this year has been everything that I had envisioned and more. Last year, COVID made it difficult for me to have a traditional hospice experience. This year, I have been able to meet with a patient in person, “Deborah”, and my … Continue reading “Diving Deeper Into Medicine”
The Care You Provide and the Care Provided to You
Through the 2021-2022 school year, I have been able to volunteer with two different patients. In the fall I briefly (only one visit in person) volunteered with “Patient 1”. This was my first in person experience with Heartland Hospice and came after about a year of remote work due to the COVID-19 pandemic. It was … Continue reading “The Care You Provide and the Care Provided to You”
Having deeper thoughts about death
Even though I did not get to visit any patients for Hospice, I was able to learn a lot from doing the reflections. I think this experience has allowed me to engage in very deep thoughts about aging and dying. I learned that aging and dying are the only “unfixables” thus they are problems the … Continue reading “Having deeper thoughts about death”
Growing in Myself Through this Experience
In my experience volunteering with Hospice, I have seen a lot of good come of it. I think that the patient that I was lucky enough to spend time with was not the only one that gained something from our time together. I gained more than I think my patient will ever be able to … Continue reading “Growing in Myself Through this Experience”