Hospice Cleveland County Celebrates the Contributions of Its Volunteers during National Volunteer Week
National Volunteer Week is April 21 – 27, 2013 and Hospice Cleveland County is honoring its core of dedicated volunteers who provide support, companionship and dignity to members of the community facing serious and life-limiting illness.
“We could not do the work we do without the gifts of time and talent from our hospice volunteers who support our organization and walk with patients and families during the journey at life’s end,” said Krista Haynes, Patient/Family Volunteer Coordinator.
It is federally mandated under Medicare that five percent of all patient care hours be provided by trained volunteers. This regulation reflects the vital role that volunteers play in the hospice philosophy of care and ensures that a hospice program has roots deep in the community.
Here in Cleveland County, 214 volunteers provide 10,632 hours per year to help Hospice Cleveland County care for patients and families in the community. Hospice volunteers often serve patients and families at the bedside but they also assist in the office, help raise awareness, contribute to educational programs, and provide fundraising support and more.
Sheila Bradley is a full time beautician at Trendsetters Salon and mother of two, who still finds time in her busy schedule to assist patients at the Wendover Hospice House. “Sheila’s visits make each of us feel refreshed, beautiful and excited to face another day.” said Lynn Hamrick, Wendover Hospice House Resident. Sheila started volunteering with Hospice after her grandmother was a patient. She has also helped with Fundraisers such as “Cuts 4 Hospice” at Trendsetters Salon. “God gave me this talent and I want to use it to give back to others.” says Sheila. “If you are having a bad day, come to Wendover and your spirit will change, you can feel the love and joy in this place.” she says.
Others volunteer by participating in P.A.T. – “Pets Are Therapeutic” which includes dogs and other therapy animals. Jan Young, has mini horses that she brings to Hospice and other places in the area. “They have a balance of friendliness and gentle behavior plus a charming personality that always brings a smile.” says Jan.
Sharon Martin, Hospice Community Outreach Coordinator, works with volunteers in “The Watchman Program” - A Faith in Action Program. Churches play a vital role in our community providing spiritual care, social interaction, and various levels of support.
The goal of the “The Watchman Program” – A Faith in Action Program is to identify and train one person in each congregation who will serve as the Hospice Watchman Volunteer within each congregation. Having a trained Watchman Volunteer from each congregation will ensure that the needs of the church family will be conveyed to Hospice Cleveland County and more people will have the opportunity to receive Hospice and Palliative Care services. The program also helps to ensure that every patient who wants a volunteer has the opportunity to benefit from the support and care a volunteer can provide.
Hospice volunteers help the people they serve live every moment of life to the fullest and enable the organizations they work with to achieve their mission in the community. Most hospice volunteers choose to give their time helping others because of their own experience with the compassionate care hospice provided to a dying loved one.
Currently, Hospice Cleveland County is looking for Volunteers to help with activities at Wendover and Kings Mountain Hospice House, beauticians, volunteers to help water flowers and fill bird feeders each week, fundraising volunteers, patient volunteers, administrative volunteers, as well as volunteers at the new Hospice Thrift Store.
For those interested in learning more about hospice or volunteer opportunities, please visit our website at www.hospicecares.cc or call us at 704-487-4677.
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