Driving for Day Hospice - A Day in the Life of a Volunteer Driver
"This is Thursday, my day for driving for Hospice Care Ottawa. It’s one of those days in every week that I look forward to. This morning my assignment is to pick up two people at their homes and drive them to the May Court Hospice site in Old Ottawa South for 9:45 a.m.
In the afternoon, I’ll arrive a little early to pick them up - around 2:00 p.m – in time for a cup of tea and a visit with everyone. The guests will have spent the day amazing themselves at their newly learned skills in painting, or reading, doing puzzles, chatting with new friends, or just resting in front of the fire place listening to a visiting musician. They may have booked for a service – hair styling, manicures, massage or reflexology or they may have joined a yoga class or relaxation session. A home-made delicious lunch will be served in style in the dining room overlooking a sun-filled courtyard with lush plantings and charming sculptured birdbath.
I will be glad, as always, to have helped “my” passengers in a small way to enjoy their weekly day of relaxation and enrichment in a beautiful home-like environment amongst dedicated, loving people at the Hospice. They will have enjoyed their day at Hospice and their pleasure always rubs off on me.
Hospice Care Ottawa is well known for leadership in palliative care. The spirit and philosophy is one of dignity and respect for the person who is facing a life-limiting illness. Hospice provides support and comfort care in many different ways - in-home visiting, day programs, family support, grief and bereavement services and 24 hour nursing care for those at end-of-life. The hospice serves anyone in the Ottawa area at no charge. Anyone can make a referral.
The Hospice relies on close to 1000 volunteers to help make its programs happen at four sites. Presently, Hospice has openings for drivers. Drivers are amongst a cadre of volunteers all of whom receive professional training to carry out their roles. It has been enriching for me to become a part of the dedicated community that makes up the Hospice Care Ottawa."
John
Hospice Care Ottawa Volunteer Driver
For further information about volunteer opportunities click here or contact volunteer.services@hospicecareottawa.ca
In the afternoon, I’ll arrive a little early to pick them up - around 2:00 p.m – in time for a cup of tea and a visit with everyone. The guests will have spent the day amazing themselves at their newly learned skills in painting, or reading, doing puzzles, chatting with new friends, or just resting in front of the fire place listening to a visiting musician. They may have booked for a service – hair styling, manicures, massage or reflexology or they may have joined a yoga class or relaxation session. A home-made delicious lunch will be served in style in the dining room overlooking a sun-filled courtyard with lush plantings and charming sculptured birdbath.
I will be glad, as always, to have helped “my” passengers in a small way to enjoy their weekly day of relaxation and enrichment in a beautiful home-like environment amongst dedicated, loving people at the Hospice. They will have enjoyed their day at Hospice and their pleasure always rubs off on me.
Hospice Care Ottawa is well known for leadership in palliative care. The spirit and philosophy is one of dignity and respect for the person who is facing a life-limiting illness. Hospice provides support and comfort care in many different ways - in-home visiting, day programs, family support, grief and bereavement services and 24 hour nursing care for those at end-of-life. The hospice serves anyone in the Ottawa area at no charge. Anyone can make a referral.
The Hospice relies on close to 1000 volunteers to help make its programs happen at four sites. Presently, Hospice has openings for drivers. Drivers are amongst a cadre of volunteers all of whom receive professional training to carry out their roles. It has been enriching for me to become a part of the dedicated community that makes up the Hospice Care Ottawa."
John
Hospice Care Ottawa Volunteer Driver
For further information about volunteer opportunities click here or contact volunteer.services@hospicecareottawa.ca
