‘Restored faith in humanity:’ What’s it like to volunteer at Mercy Health Hospice of the Valley?
There’s an opportunity to help Mahoning, Trumbull and Columbiana county patients transitioning into end-of-life care at Mercy Health Hospice of the Valley in Poland.
“Paycheck of the heart”
Jennifer Burgoyne, Hospice of the Valley’s volunteer coordinator, described the volunteering experience as getting “a paycheck of the heart.”
“Hospice is the only healthcare entity that requires volunteers as a core service, which makes them invaluable,” said Burgoyne. “Family members say volunteers often restored their faith in humanity.”
Burgoyne said volunteers give the patients’ family members and caregivers some rest each week.
“It’s an opportunity for self-care or to complete day to day tasks that they may not have been able to do without the support of the volunteers. It is a comfort to family members to know their loved one is not alone and has a companion while they must step away,” said Burgoyne.
There are a variety of roles for volunteers to fill, including bedside and companion volunteers, clerical volunteers, Hospice House volunteers, fundraising, vigil and veterans.
“The connection is truly rewarding,” said Burgoyne. “The trust developed between patient and volunteer is also special. Patients are very thankful someone that they don’t know cares enough to spend time with them and they look forward to the volunteer visits. Sometimes, patients will also come to view the volunteer as a new friend.”
Volunteers give between two to four hours of their time each week.
“Hospice volunteers can have a flexible schedule for visits according to their needs and the needs of the patient and their family,” said Burgoyne.
How do volunteers help patients?
Volunteers like Helen Lewis participate in approximately training for about 15 hours total to learn all aspects of hospice and end-of-life care.
“After volunteers receive comprehensive training, they can choose to volunteer to visit patients at home, at Hospice House, or at nursing homes, or provide clerical support, help with fundraising activities, or participate in programs for veterans,” said Lewis.
“With the patient’s or family’s approval, volunteers are informed about a patient’s background, hobbies, etc so the volunteer can make a connection at the first visit. We have seen examples where patients who are veterans are paired with volunteers who are also veterans,” Lewis continued.
Fellow Hospice of the Valley volunteer Terry Maloney said volunteers provide much-needed companionship for patients, as well as assistance to family members.
“Family members often need relief from a round-the-clock schedule of caregiving to run errands, go to their own medical appointments, etc. Family members also welcome the social interaction that comes with having a volunteer visit the home. In cases where the patient resides in a nursing home, and the family lives out of town, the volunteer provides much-needed companionship that is not always available in nursing homes,” said Maloney.
There are two weeks volunteers can sign up to attend training.
Volunteers have to attend both sessions, either the first or second week.
The first is this Thursday, Aug. 8 and Thursday, Aug. 15 at Emmanuel Lutheran Church located at 251 S Broadway Ave. in Salem.
The next session starts Saturday, Oct. 19 and Saturday, Oct. 26 at the Hospice House located at 9803 Sharrott Road in Poland.
“We welcome volunteers from all walks of life who are eager to make a meaningful difference,” said Burgoyne.
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This story was originally published August 5, 2024 at 1:10 PM.