Hospice Highlight - A Walk in my Shoes
December, 2019
This month, we walk in the shoes of Caryn Zeesman who volunteers with our Caregiver Evening Out program.
My name is Caryn and I have been volunteering with Hospice Care Ottawa since 2013. Like many volunteers, I have a personal story that brought me to the Hospice. My mother died in 2012 in the US. She had been in and out of hospital, and then went to a hospice for last the few days of her life. Being admitted to hospice was a godsend and all the caregivers were like angels to me. Before then, I didn’t really know what a hospice was and had no idea what type of hospice-care was available in Ottawa.
So early in 2013, I started volunteering at the May Court Hospice doing computer work and reception. After a couple of years, I took the caregiver training course and did some home support. When Jane MacDonald piloted the Caregivers Evening program in 2016, I gladly jumped on the opportunity.
The program has evolved a bit since then….no more yoga and now we are fortunate to also have men participating. The fundamentals are the same though. A little bit of a break where one can chat with other caregivers, enjoy some complementary therapies and sit down to a lovely meal. For anyone that needs someone to look after their loved one so that they can attend, we have home support volunteers available.
Everyone loves the therapies. The conversation can range from the latest soup at Farm Boy, to how to manage the comings and goings of PSWs through your house, to more personal conversations about how someone is coping. We hold the program once a month, but some of the participants can attend over an extended period of time. One, in fact has been coming with few exceptions since the beginning. So relationships are built between the participants as well as with the volunteers/program lead.
So what makes the program useful? The sharing of information and insights is very important. But sometimes the conversation and/or mood is such there isn’t as much of that. To me though, the most important thing, and the thing that by definition happens every time, is that we focus on the caregivers. Caregiver evening is an opportunity to ask caregivers how they are doing….. it's all about them. For a few hours a month, they can just ‘get away’, get a massage or reiki, have someone else make the food and serve it to them. All in a completely safe and relaxed environment.
I’d like to wrap up with what “keeps me coming back” as a volunteer. Whatever the role, I have always found that volunteering at Hospice Care Ottawa useful and fulfilling. I find the environment nourishing and feel that I am continuously learning from staff, other volunteers and clients. Because of how I came to hospice, I started out thinking that it was only about those last few days or weeks of a person’s life. But it is much more than that: because of all the programs it can start years before; it is about not only the individual but also the family; it extends beyond a death with grief support; and then for many of us , when we are ready, it is about coming back to support others and ourselves through our life journey. I find the sense of community and purpose at Hospice Care Ottawa compelling, and it is my intention to continue volunteering for many years to come.
This month, we walk in the shoes of Caryn Zeesman who volunteers with our Caregiver Evening Out program.
My name is Caryn and I have been volunteering with Hospice Care Ottawa since 2013. Like many volunteers, I have a personal story that brought me to the Hospice. My mother died in 2012 in the US. She had been in and out of hospital, and then went to a hospice for last the few days of her life. Being admitted to hospice was a godsend and all the caregivers were like angels to me. Before then, I didn’t really know what a hospice was and had no idea what type of hospice-care was available in Ottawa.
So early in 2013, I started volunteering at the May Court Hospice doing computer work and reception. After a couple of years, I took the caregiver training course and did some home support. When Jane MacDonald piloted the Caregivers Evening program in 2016, I gladly jumped on the opportunity.
The program has evolved a bit since then….no more yoga and now we are fortunate to also have men participating. The fundamentals are the same though. A little bit of a break where one can chat with other caregivers, enjoy some complementary therapies and sit down to a lovely meal. For anyone that needs someone to look after their loved one so that they can attend, we have home support volunteers available.
Everyone loves the therapies. The conversation can range from the latest soup at Farm Boy, to how to manage the comings and goings of PSWs through your house, to more personal conversations about how someone is coping. We hold the program once a month, but some of the participants can attend over an extended period of time. One, in fact has been coming with few exceptions since the beginning. So relationships are built between the participants as well as with the volunteers/program lead.
So what makes the program useful? The sharing of information and insights is very important. But sometimes the conversation and/or mood is such there isn’t as much of that. To me though, the most important thing, and the thing that by definition happens every time, is that we focus on the caregivers. Caregiver evening is an opportunity to ask caregivers how they are doing….. it's all about them. For a few hours a month, they can just ‘get away’, get a massage or reiki, have someone else make the food and serve it to them. All in a completely safe and relaxed environment.
I’d like to wrap up with what “keeps me coming back” as a volunteer. Whatever the role, I have always found that volunteering at Hospice Care Ottawa useful and fulfilling. I find the environment nourishing and feel that I am continuously learning from staff, other volunteers and clients. Because of how I came to hospice, I started out thinking that it was only about those last few days or weeks of a person’s life. But it is much more than that: because of all the programs it can start years before; it is about not only the individual but also the family; it extends beyond a death with grief support; and then for many of us , when we are ready, it is about coming back to support others and ourselves through our life journey. I find the sense of community and purpose at Hospice Care Ottawa compelling, and it is my intention to continue volunteering for many years to come.
February, 2019
This month we are highlighting the volunteers and staff who generously shared their time and talents to build the beautiful Garden Shed at the Ruddy-Shenkman Hospice
Looking a bit like Santa's Workshop and fondly called the "Little Red Barn" by a Hein House resident, is the new Ruddy-Shenkman Hospice Garden Shed. Tucked inside it are the deck chairs used by families over the summer months; and all the equipment used to keep the grounds neat and tidy.
Building the shed was a great volunteer effort - drawing upon the team's significant skills, enthusiasm and energy. Many thanks to Nancy, Stuart and Grant Swanson; Sandy Powell and Al Burns; Paul Ross, John Spencer; John Kelly; Ian Donnelly; and Colin McKenzie. Much thanks also to Hospice Care Ottawa staff members Dylan and Laura for their encouragement and support over the six-week build.
The shed's colour and design complement those of Hein House; and it blends in well with the restful mood of Richard's Woodland Walk. Much of the building material was purchased at the local ReStore, in support of Habitat for Humanity.
The Little Red Barn stood solid and dry in this year's strong winds and heavy rainfall. It will be well used for many years to come.
This month we are highlighting the volunteers and staff who generously shared their time and talents to build the beautiful Garden Shed at the Ruddy-Shenkman Hospice
Looking a bit like Santa's Workshop and fondly called the "Little Red Barn" by a Hein House resident, is the new Ruddy-Shenkman Hospice Garden Shed. Tucked inside it are the deck chairs used by families over the summer months; and all the equipment used to keep the grounds neat and tidy.
Building the shed was a great volunteer effort - drawing upon the team's significant skills, enthusiasm and energy. Many thanks to Nancy, Stuart and Grant Swanson; Sandy Powell and Al Burns; Paul Ross, John Spencer; John Kelly; Ian Donnelly; and Colin McKenzie. Much thanks also to Hospice Care Ottawa staff members Dylan and Laura for their encouragement and support over the six-week build.
The shed's colour and design complement those of Hein House; and it blends in well with the restful mood of Richard's Woodland Walk. Much of the building material was purchased at the local ReStore, in support of Habitat for Humanity.
The Little Red Barn stood solid and dry in this year's strong winds and heavy rainfall. It will be well used for many years to come.
January, 2019
This month we are highlighting YOU! Hospice Care Ottawa (HCO) wouldn't exist without our many phenomenal volunteers and staff. Here are a few of the many positive comments we are so very proud of:
This month we are highlighting YOU! Hospice Care Ottawa (HCO) wouldn't exist without our many phenomenal volunteers and staff. Here are a few of the many positive comments we are so very proud of:
- It is a privilege to work with HCO's caring and compassionate staff members.
- The staff of HCO do a fabulous job. It is a privilege to volunteer with this organization.
- I have really appreciated all the situations that I have been in and grown from each one.
- This has been very rewarding, and I hope to continue to learn more from each client’s journey.
- It is a very satisfying activity to be involved with the wonderful staff and volunteers. It's a joy to share a little time with the clients who come in to be carefree and happy day once a week.
- The satisfaction from volunteering comes from the interaction with day hospice guests and the sense of support jointly offered by staff and volunteer
- The monthly Pub Night is a great opportunity to connect with other volunteers.
- I enjoy my involvement very much with all the other volunteers, the Staff, and especially our guests.
- I have been on 2 HCO hiring boards in the past year. I appreciate the consideration given to volunteers as integral members of the HCO team.
- Nursing staff is always attentive, and their professionalism is appreciated.
- I find it very enjoyable and rewarding to volunteer and I feel very appreciated by HCO staff and clients!
- I love the hospice, and value my time there.
- I am really enjoying my experience and am very grateful to have the opportunity to volunteer my help and also to grow so much through doing so. Thank you to all who work together to provide these palliative care services.
- I feel very supported and valued as an HCO volunteer. Well done.
- Wonderful place to volunteer - a privilege really.
- The staff are terrific and helpful, and I enjoy meeting and working with other volunteers when the opportunity presents itself.
- It is by far the best decision I have ever made, it is both an honour and a privilege to participate in the end of life journey with residents and their families, such a rewarding experience.
- I love being part of the team. I feel fulfilled and look forward to my nest scheduled shift filled with gratitude.
- It is a privilege to work with HCO's caring and compassionate staff members.
- It has been very rewarding to me in so many ways that I hope to continue in this endeavour if I'm physically and mentally capable.
- I appreciate the friendly and understanding support staff give volunteers
- Volunteer at Reception. A small role but significant in terms of greeting visitors, guests etc.
- It is a joy to be collaborating with exemplary Nursing staff and support staff to deliver world class Palliative care to residents and their families.
- The education opportunities have been terrific as was the support during my first home visit assignment. I also felt that the client and caregiver were very well informed about my volunteer role which made everything well with no false expectations.
- It’s a wonderful community of care.
- If the clients were not so amazing, I would find somewhere else to volunteer
- I am so blessed to be part of this exceptional organization!
- I feel that the volunteers are respected and appreciated by all the staff. Thank You!
- The education sessions are very useful.
- Appreciate staff who make us feel part of the team.
- As many volunteers at Hospice state I also feel very fortunate and privileged to be a part of Hospice Care Ottawa and receive a great deal of satisfaction and support and learn so much from others. Thank you for everything you do to make this such a caring community,
- Just how rewarding it is to share in the running of the hospice and how much of an important role we play.
- I have learned so much about myself and empathy for others. Have learned not to sweat the small stuff.
- I remain very grateful to be a part of the mission to deliver quality hospice care in Ottawa. As a volunteer, HCO has always treated me with gratitude, respect, understanding and flexibility. Thank you, HCO team,
- Through being involved in Hospice I have learned so much about strong spirit; generosity of heart; and gratitude. It has truly been a blessing to my life.
- I’m impressed by the newsletters and the professionalism of the organization.
November, 2018
This month, we walk in the shoes of Alex Braun, a volunteer in our Hospice Residence Care Program.
What is it we do?
Well, we take care of people. Whatever they need that is within our power to provide, we provide, for the residents, the families and friends, and the staff, too.
Apart from my volunteer "duties", the bulk of my time is spent just being with people. Letting them know that they exist, that they are not just numbers or charts or lists of medications. The staff does a great job of this, too, but they have things to do.
Each shift I make the rounds, introduce myself as a volunteer, and let them know, the residents and anyone else present in the room, that I am a volunteer and I am here to help in any way I can.
I sit with residents if they are alone and would like some company. We'll chat about everything and nothing, their lives, their families, sometimes just how the day was for them. Sometimes we just sit quietly. Sometimes I'll hold their hand. Sometimes they are not even conscious but still they will give my hand a squeeze.
I will spend a moment with a family member or friend as they wait outside a loved one's room, when personal care is taking place. This seems to be a time when they are at a loss for what to do with themselves. I'll just stop and ask if they need anything, a cup of tea or a glass of water. I'll ask," How are you holding up?" More often than not this will lead to them expressing how tired they are and the stress of dealing with this difficult time, as if they have just been waiting for someone to ask how they are doing. Sometimes they want a hug.
I had a very long talk with a resident, a woman, a doctor, my age. She had brain cancer. She liked to eat her meals in the kitchen; she said it made her feel "normal". I sat with her at the table and she talked, for over an hour. She told me about her son, who she knew would be ok, but that she wouldn't be here to see him be ok; about her life as a doctor, and then as a patient; about how she regretted saving so much money and should have traveled more; about how she hated the term "fighting cancer" and preferred "dancing with cancer" where first she was leading the dance but now cancer has taken the lead.
I had a very nice interaction with another woman, also my age. She was not verbal by this stage. She had spent her life taking care of her brother's children, a nanny of sorts. She was very much a germaphobe and my experience from previous weeks was that she was not comfortable around men. I had always kept my distance. That evening, though, I'd gone into her room to restock supplies for the PSW (one of the things we do) and she reached out and grabbed my wrist. I sat down beside her bed and she locked eyes with me and started to stroke my hand. We spent almost an hour like that, never breaking eye contact, until she fell asleep.
One older gentleman, who had been here only a day or so, as the PSW and I were getting him washed up and re-positioned for the night, said, "I don't know how much this is costing me but it is worth every penny!" I told him he wasn't paying a cent, it was all covered. "Well," he said," then I am the luckiest man in the world!"
I've been asked how I can do this job. Isn't it depressing? The answer is no. It is sad at times, certainly, but mostly it is remarkably up beat. Someone, during the training program, said that we do not take care of the dying; we take care of the living until they have died. And, in doing that there is laughter, and smiles, and joking around (sometimes quite dark humour) and life.
The hard part of volunteering here is not that everyone who comes here will die. Though that is sad, what is the hardest is when there is nothing I can do, when the physical pain cannot be alleviated or when dementia leaves the resident in a constant state of fear. But it is always worse for the families and I get to go home at the end of shift. And I usually go home feeling better than when I came in.
- Alex Braun
This month, we walk in the shoes of Alex Braun, a volunteer in our Hospice Residence Care Program.
What is it we do?
Well, we take care of people. Whatever they need that is within our power to provide, we provide, for the residents, the families and friends, and the staff, too.
Apart from my volunteer "duties", the bulk of my time is spent just being with people. Letting them know that they exist, that they are not just numbers or charts or lists of medications. The staff does a great job of this, too, but they have things to do.
Each shift I make the rounds, introduce myself as a volunteer, and let them know, the residents and anyone else present in the room, that I am a volunteer and I am here to help in any way I can.
I sit with residents if they are alone and would like some company. We'll chat about everything and nothing, their lives, their families, sometimes just how the day was for them. Sometimes we just sit quietly. Sometimes I'll hold their hand. Sometimes they are not even conscious but still they will give my hand a squeeze.
I will spend a moment with a family member or friend as they wait outside a loved one's room, when personal care is taking place. This seems to be a time when they are at a loss for what to do with themselves. I'll just stop and ask if they need anything, a cup of tea or a glass of water. I'll ask," How are you holding up?" More often than not this will lead to them expressing how tired they are and the stress of dealing with this difficult time, as if they have just been waiting for someone to ask how they are doing. Sometimes they want a hug.
I had a very long talk with a resident, a woman, a doctor, my age. She had brain cancer. She liked to eat her meals in the kitchen; she said it made her feel "normal". I sat with her at the table and she talked, for over an hour. She told me about her son, who she knew would be ok, but that she wouldn't be here to see him be ok; about her life as a doctor, and then as a patient; about how she regretted saving so much money and should have traveled more; about how she hated the term "fighting cancer" and preferred "dancing with cancer" where first she was leading the dance but now cancer has taken the lead.
I had a very nice interaction with another woman, also my age. She was not verbal by this stage. She had spent her life taking care of her brother's children, a nanny of sorts. She was very much a germaphobe and my experience from previous weeks was that she was not comfortable around men. I had always kept my distance. That evening, though, I'd gone into her room to restock supplies for the PSW (one of the things we do) and she reached out and grabbed my wrist. I sat down beside her bed and she locked eyes with me and started to stroke my hand. We spent almost an hour like that, never breaking eye contact, until she fell asleep.
One older gentleman, who had been here only a day or so, as the PSW and I were getting him washed up and re-positioned for the night, said, "I don't know how much this is costing me but it is worth every penny!" I told him he wasn't paying a cent, it was all covered. "Well," he said," then I am the luckiest man in the world!"
I've been asked how I can do this job. Isn't it depressing? The answer is no. It is sad at times, certainly, but mostly it is remarkably up beat. Someone, during the training program, said that we do not take care of the dying; we take care of the living until they have died. And, in doing that there is laughter, and smiles, and joking around (sometimes quite dark humour) and life.
The hard part of volunteering here is not that everyone who comes here will die. Though that is sad, what is the hardest is when there is nothing I can do, when the physical pain cannot be alleviated or when dementia leaves the resident in a constant state of fear. But it is always worse for the families and I get to go home at the end of shift. And I usually go home feeling better than when I came in.
- Alex Braun
February, 2017
This month, we walk in the shoes of our 129 volunteer receptionists
Who are we? We are the same as all the staff and volunteers at Hospice Care Ottawa, with a focus on providing dignity, compassion and comfort in a home-like setting. We are the first and last person someone sees when at HCO. We are the home-owner, welcoming all who walk through our doors. The receptionist is the ambassador, the smiling, friendly face as well as the gatekeeper. Each of us need to understand the services provided by Hospice, and with diplomacy and tact, be able to assist our visitors through the sign-in process while still respecting the privacy of our residents.
Some examples of who we are and what we experience at reception include:
- First and foremost, being adept at greeting and screening visitors to ensure our policies are followed.
- Clear and compassionate communication skills when explaining why a visitor must sign in, or may not be able to visit a resident.
- Understanding the green card procedures, why we "can't ask for it" and knowing that it is there to respect the privacy of the resident.
- Listening to the many, many personal stories of those who have loved ones in residence - stories of their lives, their children, careers, the positive experience of Hospice and the difficulty of the experience.
- Multi-tasking between phones, visitors, day-hospice arrivals, deliveries, donations, people attending training or meetings.
- Selling our Hug-Me Bears, calendars, etc., and being able to explain and assist with a donation or discussing our various fundraisers.
- Excellent communication skills when answering the phones, taking a message or transferring the caller to the appropriate staff member.
- Being able to truly LISTEN to our visitors, without inappropriately sharing our own personal experiences.
- Following the "opening" and "closing" procedures each day, including after-hours sign-in.
- Being professional and pleasant in some unpleasant situations.
- Making sure the local cat and the noisy squirrels don't take advantage of our open doors in the nice weather.
- Doing a walk-through of the facility before and after a shift to check lights, doors and even plump pillows and "tidy" open areas.
- Keeping the lobby neat
- Organizing a wheelchair for a visitor or helping with a taxi.
- Having a smile at the ready, and being there when someone just needs to vent.
- Accepting/signing (or having a nurse sign for) pharmaceutical deliveries and ensuring it gets back to residence in a timely fashion.
- Advising a gentleman who "requested a room" at Central West that it was no longer a hotel, and with a smile, providing information on local hotels.
- Giving young visitors crayons and paper to use or telling them it was OK to softly play the piano.
- Respect and dignity during a "walk-out" when a resident has died.
- Knowing that when a dog came to visit a resident that it would bring great comfort.
- Helping with clerical tasks requested by staff from time to time.
In 2015-16, our Hospice Care Ottawa volunteer receptionists contributed 9,133 hours at our Hospice sites.
September, 2016
This month, we walk in the shoes of MARLENE KOCVAR, a Grief and Bereavement Support Volunteer
Bereavement volunteers do phone support, 1-on-1 support, lead bereavement walks, facilitate closed spousal groups and drop-in groups, volunteer at bereavement retreats and “Shine a Light” memorials, and make follow-up bereavement calls to grieving families so you can see that we fill a variety of roles.
Kay Jamison, a psychologist at John Hopkins wrote a book about the loss of her husband and titled it, “Nothing Was the Same” and that is what our clients tells us. The world as they knew it no longer exists. Nothing is the same.
So what do we offer them? A safe, supportive environment where they can talk openly about their feelings, where they learn from, and support each other.
We provide an empathetic ear. The bereaved quickly learn that not everyone wants to hear their stories and certainly not over and over which is what they often need in the beginning. One lady said her friends told her she was “Alberting” them to death.
We validate their feelings, their behaviour. We let them know that confusion, anxiety, anger, fear, guilt, loss of confidence, sadness, depression, tears can all be a normal part of grief. According to one lady, she made the family decisions, and since her husband’s death, she can’t even decide what brand of bread to buy.
We confirm that their grief is unique. There is no right way or wrong way to grieve. We don’t judge, we don’t tell them what they “should” do or when they “should” do it. No two people grieve the same way. At a retreat, two recently widowed sisters-in-law, were lined up for lunch when one pointed to her buddy and said “she can’t eat and I can’t stop eating, she has lost 10 pounds already and I know where they are” and she patted her stomach.
Last, but certainly not least, we try to give them hope that things do change and get better even though they don’t believe us in the beginning.
What do our clients give us? They give us their trust, they share their fears and memories. They allow us into their shattered lives, then give us the joy of watching them put that life back together again.
The biggest problem we have is maintaining boundaries. Our clients change and grow. They start to live life again and we’ve been a part of that. They come to think of us as friends. We often have a very hard time getting them to understand why we can’t give them our phone number, why we can’t spend the weekend at their cottage or why we won’t accept their gifts of appreciation. We have to be very careful that we don’t try to “fix” their lives, have them become dependent on us, that we don’t do things for them that they have to learn to do for themselves. We mustn’t take away the feeling of pride they have when they go to a movie alone for the first time, plan a trip, or take a strip off that unhelpful bank manager. All those “I did it” moments.
The following are a few of their stories:
Kay Jamison, a psychologist at John Hopkins wrote a book about the loss of her husband and titled it, “Nothing Was the Same” and that is what our clients tells us. The world as they knew it no longer exists. Nothing is the same.
So what do we offer them? A safe, supportive environment where they can talk openly about their feelings, where they learn from, and support each other.
We provide an empathetic ear. The bereaved quickly learn that not everyone wants to hear their stories and certainly not over and over which is what they often need in the beginning. One lady said her friends told her she was “Alberting” them to death.
We validate their feelings, their behaviour. We let them know that confusion, anxiety, anger, fear, guilt, loss of confidence, sadness, depression, tears can all be a normal part of grief. According to one lady, she made the family decisions, and since her husband’s death, she can’t even decide what brand of bread to buy.
We confirm that their grief is unique. There is no right way or wrong way to grieve. We don’t judge, we don’t tell them what they “should” do or when they “should” do it. No two people grieve the same way. At a retreat, two recently widowed sisters-in-law, were lined up for lunch when one pointed to her buddy and said “she can’t eat and I can’t stop eating, she has lost 10 pounds already and I know where they are” and she patted her stomach.
Last, but certainly not least, we try to give them hope that things do change and get better even though they don’t believe us in the beginning.
What do our clients give us? They give us their trust, they share their fears and memories. They allow us into their shattered lives, then give us the joy of watching them put that life back together again.
The biggest problem we have is maintaining boundaries. Our clients change and grow. They start to live life again and we’ve been a part of that. They come to think of us as friends. We often have a very hard time getting them to understand why we can’t give them our phone number, why we can’t spend the weekend at their cottage or why we won’t accept their gifts of appreciation. We have to be very careful that we don’t try to “fix” their lives, have them become dependent on us, that we don’t do things for them that they have to learn to do for themselves. We mustn’t take away the feeling of pride they have when they go to a movie alone for the first time, plan a trip, or take a strip off that unhelpful bank manager. All those “I did it” moments.
The following are a few of their stories:
- an elderly lady said the walk was the one place she could go alone and know that her family wasn’t worried about her. That it gave her such a feeling of independence. She also said that it was the best thing that had happened to her since her husband died.
- a young woman who cried nearly all the way through her first walk and couldn’t face going back to work now works part time, has taken a trip with one of the other walkers and is talking about volunteering.
- a lady who rarely drove got up the courage to drive to Andrew Haydon Park for the walk and was so proud of her achievement that she now drives all over the city.
- the lady who turned down a family outing as she said she would rather be with the group and around people who understood what she was going through.
Being a part of these stories is unbelievably rewarding. With time, our clients grow strong enough to move on with their new lives and we are left with the huge satisfaction of having contributed to that growth.
January, 2016
This month, we walk in the shoes of PAT ROBSON, a Homes for the Holidays volunteer
I saw an ad in the Citizen calling for volunteers for the first ever Homes for the Holidays. I responded to the ad and ended up working a shift in the coffee shop. I recognized ladies that had been involved with fundraising and it was wonderful to see the familiar faces. I thought that if these ladies were involved with the hospice then it must be a great spot.
I came back in the coffee shop for the second HFTH. I saw the warm, friendly faces again and decided that I couldn’t procrastinate any longer and the next summer I finally got in touch with the hospice about doing something other than ‘office work’ and volunteered for the library. Once people realized that I could work on spreadsheets and was a ‘detail person’ I got recruited to assist with admin in the Volunteer Office and was back in front of a computer. I’m still at the hospice every Thursday afternoon and have also started doing a few shifts on the Reception desk.
I got more involved with HFTH when a request was made for volunteers to serve on the Committee. I had the position of House Representative for a couple of years, then I was co-Treasurer for 3 or 4 years, then was the Ticket Co-ordinator for a year, then back to co-Treasurer for a year.
I’ve been asked to give an overview of HFTH from a volunteers’ perspective. I collected the volunteer hours for stats for the 2014 HFTH. The total number of volunteer hours was 8,142.5 and the total number of volunteers was 626. If you divide the total number of volunteer hours it equals four full time people working 38 hours a week for a year.
People likely think that November would be when all the activity takes place but actually, the work starts at the beginning of the year and the books for the event are not usually closed until February or March the following year……so there is always some activity taking place for HFTH.
Every member of the committee is vital and each position requires many skills and judgement. Here is a brief example of some of the work that is done:
There were additions as well in 2014. A grand launch which is basically another whole, separate big event, the shop at Ruddy-Shenkman and Tables to Dine For.
So, you can see that there are many segments. Many divisions and teams that make up the whole – and it is overseen and orchestrated by the chairperson, who is involved in all the decision-making. A daunting task. There is a huge amount of responsibility and work that each area requires. Volunteers to be found, signs to be made, balloons to be available, directional arrows to be placed….many small activities that can’t be missed.
Why, you might ask, do the volunteers do this? I think that people like to be a part of a worthwhile activity that benefits the community. The ability to ‘give’ is wonderful. It gives us purpose and a goal and an opportunity to grow and learn new things. We can be part of a team and celebrate our successes together. There’s ‘job satisfaction’. We are fortunate enough to have the time to be able to donate the hours to the cause.
In closing I’d like to say that I plan to continue being a volunteer for Hospice Care Ottawa for many years. The atmosphere is not one of sadness or loss but of warmth and comfort. As a volunteer I am made to feel that I am part of the team….there’s not a division of staff and volunteer…..we’re treated as equals and allowed to have responsibilities and to put our strengths to good use. We can make a worthwhile contribution benefitting both the community and ourselves.
I came back in the coffee shop for the second HFTH. I saw the warm, friendly faces again and decided that I couldn’t procrastinate any longer and the next summer I finally got in touch with the hospice about doing something other than ‘office work’ and volunteered for the library. Once people realized that I could work on spreadsheets and was a ‘detail person’ I got recruited to assist with admin in the Volunteer Office and was back in front of a computer. I’m still at the hospice every Thursday afternoon and have also started doing a few shifts on the Reception desk.
I got more involved with HFTH when a request was made for volunteers to serve on the Committee. I had the position of House Representative for a couple of years, then I was co-Treasurer for 3 or 4 years, then was the Ticket Co-ordinator for a year, then back to co-Treasurer for a year.
I’ve been asked to give an overview of HFTH from a volunteers’ perspective. I collected the volunteer hours for stats for the 2014 HFTH. The total number of volunteer hours was 8,142.5 and the total number of volunteers was 626. If you divide the total number of volunteer hours it equals four full time people working 38 hours a week for a year.
People likely think that November would be when all the activity takes place but actually, the work starts at the beginning of the year and the books for the event are not usually closed until February or March the following year……so there is always some activity taking place for HFTH.
Every member of the committee is vital and each position requires many skills and judgement. Here is a brief example of some of the work that is done:
- The members who actually find the houses. Some homeowners offer, some get asked. The houses have to be interesting, in different areas of the city, different styles, good flow for the ticket holders, and there has to be parking.
- A communications person who can have the event publicised effectively from beginning to end.
- Sponsors and advertisers must be found. The previous year’s supporters are asked but there are always more needed. Pricing has to be determined and invoices sent. Ads and logos are required for the ticket booklet from each sponsor and advertiser.
- The ticket booklet must be produced. Photos of the houses must be taken, blurbs written, advertisers and sponsors ads must be inserted, the printer must be identified. All to be done in a limited timeframe.
- Ticket sales. The sales locations must be determined and the tickets delivered, tracked, and money picked up. The computer system has changed now but we had to ensure all the cash was there and phone in each credit card number and have everything balanced and accounted for.
- The treasurers have to keep track of all the income and expenses, and approve and initiate payments. That begins in May and ends the following year……there are always loose ends. For example, the homeowner gifts (often a photo book) can’t be produced until after the event.
- The Pop-Up shop is another whole event. The committee members in charge of this area have to find the location for the shop, get vendors, volunteers, cash registers…..set up, take down.
- House Reps have to liaise with the homeowners and make notes on the important/interesting points of their house and produce info sheets for the volunteers. They have to find volunteers – say 10 people each shift so 60 volunteers for each house. The signs have to be taken up and down and the entry way clean and welcoming.
There were additions as well in 2014. A grand launch which is basically another whole, separate big event, the shop at Ruddy-Shenkman and Tables to Dine For.
So, you can see that there are many segments. Many divisions and teams that make up the whole – and it is overseen and orchestrated by the chairperson, who is involved in all the decision-making. A daunting task. There is a huge amount of responsibility and work that each area requires. Volunteers to be found, signs to be made, balloons to be available, directional arrows to be placed….many small activities that can’t be missed.
Why, you might ask, do the volunteers do this? I think that people like to be a part of a worthwhile activity that benefits the community. The ability to ‘give’ is wonderful. It gives us purpose and a goal and an opportunity to grow and learn new things. We can be part of a team and celebrate our successes together. There’s ‘job satisfaction’. We are fortunate enough to have the time to be able to donate the hours to the cause.
In closing I’d like to say that I plan to continue being a volunteer for Hospice Care Ottawa for many years. The atmosphere is not one of sadness or loss but of warmth and comfort. As a volunteer I am made to feel that I am part of the team….there’s not a division of staff and volunteer…..we’re treated as equals and allowed to have responsibilities and to put our strengths to good use. We can make a worthwhile contribution benefitting both the community and ourselves.
December, 2015
This month, we walk in the shoes of BARBARA DAVIDSON and SCOTT JORDAN - two HCO Residence volunteers
The hospice is a home. It’s the last home most residents will have, and our role as volunteers in the Residence Care Program is to help make their final days and weeks as comfortable and as homelike as possible. We treat our surroundings like our own house: tidying, taking care of the kitchen duties, preparing meals and doing laundry. We are also there to support the residents by giving hugs, listening to their struggles and stories, providing comfort and sometimes even sharing laughter! Our role extends to supporting the families as well.
We are provided with thorough and comprehensive training for the physical aspects of bathing, toileting, repositioning, dressing, meal preparation, feeding, and infection control. Emotionally, we learn how to be active listeners, deal with family dynamics and how to be present. Yet, nothing really prepares us for the reality of experiencing the end of another person’s journey in life.
There are no words to describe what we experience as we sit and hold the hand of someone who is actively dying or as they die. What do you say to a four year old who asks if their daddy will be coming home tonight, when he will never be going home? Witnessing a mother climb into bed with their dying son or daughter can stir our emotions yet we know to support the family with compassion.
Following a death, we are sometime asked to help prepare the individual for the arrival of the funeral home. This honour is extended when we join the staff and family for the procession to escort their loved one on their final journey out of the hospice.
Our shifts are never the same. They are often unpredictable, yet also always rewarding. As we take care of the residents and their families, we know that we are a critical part of the overall care team of this wonderful place. As we put our efforts into the caring of others, we can occasionally become a bit overwhelmed. We can then rely on the rest of the team of staff and volunteers for support, completing the circle of caring - the essence of the hospice environment.
It is such a privilege to be part of this journey with an individual and their loved ones, and so incredibly rewarding and fulfilling. Each and every time we leave the hospice at the end of our shift, we know we have made a difference for someone. This truly is what volunteering is all about.
We are provided with thorough and comprehensive training for the physical aspects of bathing, toileting, repositioning, dressing, meal preparation, feeding, and infection control. Emotionally, we learn how to be active listeners, deal with family dynamics and how to be present. Yet, nothing really prepares us for the reality of experiencing the end of another person’s journey in life.
There are no words to describe what we experience as we sit and hold the hand of someone who is actively dying or as they die. What do you say to a four year old who asks if their daddy will be coming home tonight, when he will never be going home? Witnessing a mother climb into bed with their dying son or daughter can stir our emotions yet we know to support the family with compassion.
Following a death, we are sometime asked to help prepare the individual for the arrival of the funeral home. This honour is extended when we join the staff and family for the procession to escort their loved one on their final journey out of the hospice.
Our shifts are never the same. They are often unpredictable, yet also always rewarding. As we take care of the residents and their families, we know that we are a critical part of the overall care team of this wonderful place. As we put our efforts into the caring of others, we can occasionally become a bit overwhelmed. We can then rely on the rest of the team of staff and volunteers for support, completing the circle of caring - the essence of the hospice environment.
It is such a privilege to be part of this journey with an individual and their loved ones, and so incredibly rewarding and fulfilling. Each and every time we leave the hospice at the end of our shift, we know we have made a difference for someone. This truly is what volunteering is all about.
November, 2015
This month, we walk in the shoes of SYLVIA SHORTLIFFE, a veteran volunteer in HCO's In-Home volunteer visiting program
A wonderful reward of being a hospice home visitor is that you perform a service just by showing up to give the family caregivers a respite from their stressful routine. You will be thanked for arriving as promised - an instant reward for so little effort on your part.
While the ill family member might be bedridden and practically comatose, most situations entail interaction with the client and provide even greater rewards. Some of my most memorable characters (with acknowledgment to Readers’ Digest) were:
While the ill family member might be bedridden and practically comatose, most situations entail interaction with the client and provide even greater rewards. Some of my most memorable characters (with acknowledgment to Readers’ Digest) were:
- the teenager who could not attend school until his immune system recovered from chemo, for whom I planned amusements outside that would not take him into crowds. He loved going to the movies at 10 a.m., and the go-cart and mini golf courses were similarly deserted weekday mornings so we could enjoy them
- the elderly client for whom I chopped ingredients so she could still make her famous soup for the family
- the clients for whom I re-wrote address books, or wrote cards and letters at their dictation
- the many clients to whom I read aloud, either the newspaper or books of their choice
- the client who insisted on lending me a book to read so we could discuss it subsequently
- the clients with whom I did not share a language, but communicated with smiles and massages (hand, shoulder)
- the client for whom I spent hours straightening and filing years of paperwork and organizing a system to keep track of house/vehicle keys
- the client who suffered panic attacks if routine was in any way altered, which explains the shopping trips from Ottawa to the Giant Tiger in Rockland (I drove)
I also:
- babysat a six-month-old on short notice so her mother could take her father to a medical appointment. In this case I went back some months later to help the widow write thank-you notes for memorial donations
- played Scrabble, taking unobtrusive care to come second (which is not always easy)
- folded mounds of clean laundry for a large adult family - they used the washer/dryer, but did not sort or put away their own clothes, a task left for ailing mother
- served supper to and watched TV with a client who did not want me there but accepted my presence to humour an adult daughter
Not every assignment is so memorable, but I try to be present in the moment, ready to chat, read aloud, play games, take the client out, or to be still and occupy myself quietly. It is always a privilege to be invited into a home and I am ever grateful for the opportunity to be of service.
October, 2015
This month, we walk in the shoes of JUDITH CAMPBELL, a member of HCO's Complementary Therapies team
When anyone asks me about my Complementary Therapy (CT) volunteering at HCO, my immediate response is “I love it!” The next question, of course, is why? For starters, the clients I see – family caregivers, residents, bereaved family members and staff – are all acutely or preventatively in need of care and their individual responses to energy healing reflect that need. In almost all situations, they benefit immediately in the way their body / mind / spirit most require. Here are some examples:
A resident, struggling with the acceptance of her illness told me after her treatment that she felt “nice” and was able to stop thinking about her disease.
A resident, struggling with fear of death told her nurse after her treatment that she was no longer afraid to die.
A very stressed family caregiver burst into tears when she realized the invitation for a Reiki treatment was for her, and that HCO staff acknowledged her need without her even asking for help!
A long-term family caregiver cried during his first treatment from the effect it was having on him and his own subsequent recognition of his need for support.
A bereaved gentleman suffering with insomnia since his wife’s death four months earlier, slept for 12 hours on the night following his first exposure to Reiki. He subsequently agreed to return for more treatments and social work support for the following 18 months.
A bereaved young woman with a pre-school child arrived stressed for each of her Reiki appointments and left relieved of that stress, able to smile again.
Energy healing is very effective in temporarily lifting congested energy in the bereaved person's body caused by their emotional state. Consequently, they are able to process their sadness and grief more effectively. The suggestions of their social worker can have more impact, and they can be more available to other members of their family who need them to be there for them as well.
The same can be said for caregivers who need to be refreshed to return to the bedside of their dying family member, and for day-hospice clients to be energized sufficiently to continue living their life one day at a time, and for the dying to find peace at the end of their journey, and for staff members who deal with each of these scenarios day in and day out, to be supported and strengthened in their role.
Volunteering as a CT practitioner continually teaches me about the unlimited human response to energy healing, and the holistic value of this complementary therapy in the spectrum of service offered by HCO to the community. I am constantly humbled and grateful for the privilege of serving as part of this team.
A resident, struggling with the acceptance of her illness told me after her treatment that she felt “nice” and was able to stop thinking about her disease.
A resident, struggling with fear of death told her nurse after her treatment that she was no longer afraid to die.
A very stressed family caregiver burst into tears when she realized the invitation for a Reiki treatment was for her, and that HCO staff acknowledged her need without her even asking for help!
A long-term family caregiver cried during his first treatment from the effect it was having on him and his own subsequent recognition of his need for support.
A bereaved gentleman suffering with insomnia since his wife’s death four months earlier, slept for 12 hours on the night following his first exposure to Reiki. He subsequently agreed to return for more treatments and social work support for the following 18 months.
A bereaved young woman with a pre-school child arrived stressed for each of her Reiki appointments and left relieved of that stress, able to smile again.
Energy healing is very effective in temporarily lifting congested energy in the bereaved person's body caused by their emotional state. Consequently, they are able to process their sadness and grief more effectively. The suggestions of their social worker can have more impact, and they can be more available to other members of their family who need them to be there for them as well.
The same can be said for caregivers who need to be refreshed to return to the bedside of their dying family member, and for day-hospice clients to be energized sufficiently to continue living their life one day at a time, and for the dying to find peace at the end of their journey, and for staff members who deal with each of these scenarios day in and day out, to be supported and strengthened in their role.
Volunteering as a CT practitioner continually teaches me about the unlimited human response to energy healing, and the holistic value of this complementary therapy in the spectrum of service offered by HCO to the community. I am constantly humbled and grateful for the privilege of serving as part of this team.