My partner and I (HWS) have been seeing two patients. One of them, “N,” I always greet and say goodbye to with a firm handshake. Ever since I was young, my parents had taught me that a firm handshake is a sign of respect. “N” remarked at first how strong it was. It wasn’t, but … Continue reading “The Power of a Firm Handshake”
Program Year Ending: 2026
Program year Ending 2026
Beyond the Bedside: My Reflections on Hospice Care
As I drove up to the hospice facility for the first time, I thought hospice care was solely about the patient in the bed, their experience, their needs, and what I can focus on to care for them adequately. My experience with the Athena program changed my unidimensional mindset to say the least. Upon receiving … Continue reading “Beyond the Bedside: My Reflections on Hospice Care”
The Power of Being Present
One of the most meaningful relationships I formed during my experience volunteering at Daylesford Crossing was with a woman I will call “Deb Collins” and her daughter. I had the opportunity to meet with them a few times, and during those visits, I spent much of my time not only with “Deb” but also learning … Continue reading “The Power of Being Present”
When Doing Less Means Caring More
Throughout my hospice volunteering experience, one of the most memorable patients I met was someone I’ll call “Andrew.” I met him during my very first visit to the Maple Wood nursing home, and even though I only saw him that one time, the interaction stayed with me in a way I didn’t expect. “Andrew” lived … Continue reading “When Doing Less Means Caring More”
Learning their Story
One of the most meaningful Hospice patient relationships that I had was with a patient I’ll call “Jackie.” She was one of the first patients that I met with when we began our visits last semester. What struck me about “Jackie” initially was that she appeared to be outwardly healthy and had a very lively … Continue reading “Learning their Story”
The Dignity of Mundane Conversation
When I first met “Jane,” she was sitting in her chair watching television with the door open. A fellow volunteer who I will refer to as “TheBestesto1” and I introduced ourselves, and she gestured for us to sit on the couch next to her. The conversation that ensued was slow, peaceful. A dog appeared on … Continue reading “The Dignity of Mundane Conversation”
The Slow Interior Work
The first time I visited ‘Anna’ at Sunrise of Haverford, she was watching the Winter Olympics. When I asked what she did for fun, she told me there was nothing to do for fun around here. I pressed gently, asking about music, and her face shifted. Yes, she said, she liked the Beatles. As we … Continue reading “The Slow Interior Work”
The things I’ve learned with the important time I spent With my patient
The time I’ve spent with my patient has been an extremely transformative experience. While I had to share my time with my patient with another volunteer, we each got to spend a lot of time with him playing board games and card games. I think we were both signs of comfort for him, as he … Continue reading “The things I’ve learned with the important time I spent With my patient”
Finding Purpose Through Hospice Care
One of my most meaningful hospice relationships has been with a patient I will call “SF.” “SF” recently turned 72 years old. He is immobile and constantly suffering from many physical problems, but despite this, he is humorous, kind, and patient. Every time I visit him, he tells me stories from his past, especially about … Continue reading “Finding Purpose Through Hospice Care”
What Hospice has given me
When asked to reflect on hospice, I found the task extremely difficult; words felt too small for the breadth of what I witnessed and the depth of what I felt. I entered the Hospice Program scared yet curious: I came wearing the familiar garments of friend, partner, listener, and helper, but I had not yet … Continue reading “What Hospice has given me”