My relationship with “Gary” was very casual. We would watch Saturday college football, and while I didn’t know much about football, I let “Gary” talk about the game and his favorite team, Penn State, because I could tell how much he liked talking about it. His family rarely watched football, so I like to think … Continue reading “Learning Football with Gary”
School: Haverford
My Experience Volunteering in Hospice for 1 Year
My patient, “Phillip,” was a veteran who was dedicated to his family and had a great sense of humor. He didn’t always like to talk but he loved to hear about everything happening in my life, and just sit in silence with me or watch TV like Judge Judy together. I would say we had … Continue reading “My Experience Volunteering in Hospice for 1 Year”
The Privilege of Presence
I have thus far only been seeing one patient throughout my time as a hospice care volunteer—we’ll call her “C.” On the surface, our relationship is straightforward: she is a patient, and I am her volunteer. There is a kind of professional boundary that exists between us, and she does not know my name or … Continue reading “The Privilege of Presence”
The Courage to Be Present
Death and dying have always been difficult concepts for me to reflect on and talk about. I remember my first experience losing someone from my church as a young girl. This moment scarred me as I realized I wouldn’t see this person again and how she would not be the only person I’d lose. When … Continue reading “The Courage to Be Present”
Volunteering in Hospice Care, and The Importance of Connection
My initial understanding of hospice care, and what it entailed, was through the Being Mortal documentary. It had provided an excellent framework in understanding the importance of end-of-life care and its priorities, but I always worried that any effort I made might not have been enough. Even if I were certain in my intentions, in … Continue reading “Volunteering in Hospice Care, and The Importance of Connection”
TEN MORE MINUTES: REFLECTIONS FROM HOSPICE VOLUNTEERING
It’s 10 a.m. on a Sunday morning. I’m tired, thinking about the assignments waiting for me later that night. It has been a stressful week. But at this very moment, I am present, in the dining room of the memory care unit, and “E” (pseudonym for my patient) is sitting by my side. “E’s” got … Continue reading “TEN MORE MINUTES: REFLECTIONS FROM HOSPICE VOLUNTEERING”
My Time with “Joe”
When I first considered being a hospice volunteer, I had little experience with death. While I have lost family, much of it was when I was younger. I have experienced death within the healthcare system through shadowing in the ER. But I didn’t understand how complex death becomes within a relationship of care. Not just … Continue reading “My Time with “Joe””
Ms. Purple
Ms.Purple was a patient for me that always made my heart warm because everytime we saw her she was happy to see us even though really she didn’t remember who we were. She was always grateful for us coming to visit. It felt like we made her day better even though we weren’t there for … Continue reading “Ms. Purple”
Connecting with time
Meeting Emma has been one of the most meaningful and eye opening experiences during my time as a hospice volunteer through Athena. One of the first and biggest worries I had coming into the program was the fear that I wouldn’t be able to fully fit and respond to her needs, but after every meeting … Continue reading “Connecting with time”
Reflections on the Importance of Compassionate Personalized Caregiving
The Athena Institute Hospice volunteer program has provided me with an invaluable learning opportunity to expand my knowledge on communicating effectively with patients and those who may be suffering. Throughout the year, we have covered many transformative topics that I am beginning to incorporate into my everyday life. I find myself calling upon these lessons … Continue reading “Reflections on the Importance of Compassionate Personalized Caregiving”