One of my most meaningful experiences during my time as a hospice volunteer was my relationship with a woman I’ll refer to as “Mrs. L”. At the beginning of my involvement with her, our interactions were generally quiet and tentative. While I would read aloud to her occasionally, or simply hold her hand, I questioned … Continue reading “In the quiet we learn to connect”
Program Year Ending: 2026
Program year Ending 2026
From Fixing To Caring
During my time as a hospice volunteer, one of the most meaningful relationships I formed was with a patient I will call “Flower.” Over several months at Daylesford Crossing, our visits became something I looked forward to. One moment that stood out to me was when “Flower” asked us to bring her back to her … Continue reading “From Fixing To Caring”
Power in Silence
Volunteering with Athena Hospice has been one of the most grounding and transformative experiences of my life. Going into it, I expected to try and provide comfort to others, but I quickly realized how much I would learn in return: about presence, empathy, and what it truly means to care for another person at the … Continue reading “Power in Silence”
Care Beyond Intervention
As I reflect on my experiences thus far in hospice volunteering, one of my more meaningful Hospice patient relationships was with a patient, who I’ll refer to as “John”, a middle aged man who had a very joyful disposition on life. As a New Yorker, I attended high school in Tribeca, near the World Trade … Continue reading “Care Beyond Intervention”
Slowing Down
The patient that stuck with me the most during my time volunteering in hospice was actually the very first one I visited. I will call her “Jane” as a pseudonym. “Jane” was the oldest person at the facility, but you honestly would not have guessed that just by talking to her. She was still walking … Continue reading “Slowing Down”
Words Without Words – How I learned about my patient and myself through voiceless communication
There is more to life than just death. My time working as a hospice volunteer taught me a new perspective on not only what it means to be a patient on hospice care, but also taught me about what it means to be a part of humanity. My patient, who I will refer to as … Continue reading “Words Without Words – How I learned about my patient and myself through voiceless communication”
The Moment When a Connection Transcends a Diagnosis
The Moment When a Connection Transcends a Diagnosis Climbing the stairs to the common area every other week, to my side lay a sign that read, “Please climb the stairs quietly, per residents’ request.” Suddenly, my steps slowed, thoughts quickened, and excitement eroded. I began thinking, what if I arrive unremembered, unrecognized, and cause her … Continue reading “The Moment When a Connection Transcends a Diagnosis”
How My Hospice Experience Changed the Way I See Patient Care
One of the most meaningful relationships I formed during my hospice experience was with a resident in the memory care unit. Each time I entered his room, he would sit up to greet me, offering a level of kindness and respect that immediately stood out. Despite living with significant memory loss, he enjoyed talking about … Continue reading “How My Hospice Experience Changed the Way I See Patient Care”
The Power of Presence: Lessons in End of Life Care
When I first approached the idea of hospice volunteering, I understood patient care in terms of a traditional medicine model. Specifically, following the idea that the role of the physician and caregivers is to intervene, to treat and to cure. As I approached my first and only patient thus far, a woman I will call … Continue reading “The Power of Presence: Lessons in End of Life Care”
There is More to Healthcare Than Medicine
The first time I met my patient, every sense of nervousness I had previously felt completely vanished. I was no longer focused on how I felt at all, the only person’s emotions I was considering and focusing on were my patient’s. I immediately wanted to comfort her by understanding how and what she might have … Continue reading “There is More to Healthcare Than Medicine”